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IN BRIEF
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Thailand is in mourning after the announcement of the death of Princess Bha, Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, aged 47Eldest daughter of the king Maha Vajiralongkorn And much loved by the population, she had been hospitalized for over three years following a heart attack in December 2022 during a training exercise with army dogs. She has since been placed in intensive care at ChulalongkornHis condition had worsened in recent months due to a serious infection and an organ failure requiring medical devicesThe royal palace indicated that she passed away “peacefully” on Thursday. 7:48 PM ; his remains will be displayed at Grand Palace before a funeral celebrated according to royal tradition.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, affectionately known in Thailand as Princess Bha, passed away at the age of 47 years old after more than three years of hospitalization following a heart attack in December 2022. royal palace His death was announced, and it was specified that his condition had worsened in recent months due to an uncontrollable blood infection. His body will lie in state at the Grand Palais, and his funeral will be conducted according to royal rites.
The news of Princess Bajrakitiyabha’s passing was officially announced by the Royal Household Office, which stated that she had died “peacefully” on Thursday in 7:48 PMDeeply involved in public life before her illness, she left a strong mark on the country, where she was loved and respected. French and international media quickly reported the announcement: see in particular the report by BFMTV and the story of Parisian.
Princess Bha’s career and public engagements
Born to King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s first marriage to Princess Soamsawali, Bajrakitiyabha distinguished herself with an atypical career for a member of the royal family. A lawyer by training, she practiced as prosecutor, criminal lawyer and held diplomatic positions. Her professional commitment, often highlighted by the national and international press, had contributed to forging her image as a princess close to judicial institutions and public service.
A princess committed to law
Trained in law, she used her legal skills in public service and legal interventions, earning her respect in legal circles. Her profile, blending royal tradition and professional commitment, has been widely discussed in both specialized and general-interest press, notably by TV5Monde And France 24.
Prolonged hospitalization: timeline and complications
In December 2022, during a training session with army dogs, the princess was the victim of a heart attack which led to her hospitalization. She remained in a prolonged state of unconsciousness at Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok. Official information, scarce and eagerly awaited by the public, described a critical medical situation that had persisted for several years.
Blood infection and organ failure
The palace had specified in August 2025 that the princess was suffering from a serious blood infection and was dependent on machines to support his lung and kidney function. A bulletin published a few weeks before his death mentioned a serious “deterioration” and an infection that had become “uncontrollable,” preparing people for the possibility of a fatal outcome. Several summaries and detailed accounts of this episode are available, notably on Southeast Asia.
Official reactions and national emotion
The statement from the royal household office expressed the court’s sorrow and recalled the princess’s titles and role. News channels and the press relayed the shock and grief of a population that had been following the princess’s health closely through official announcements. Local and international media published tributes and retrospectives, including Closer And TV5Monde, which detail the popularity and impact of his career.
Consequences for the monarchy and the question of succession
The death of the king’s eldest daughter comes at a sensitive time for the Thai monarchy. Succession planning and the power dynamics within the royal family have been the subject of much analysis and speculation, particularly regarding the consequences for the institutional and political legacy of the current reign. Reports and investigations published by regional observers examine the implications for Rama X and succession dynamics, as illustrated by This item and further analyses on Southeast Asia.
A political and symbolic legacy
Beyond dynastic questions, Princess Bha’s death raises questions about the modern role of royalty in Thai society, caught between ceremonial tradition and concrete involvement in public life. Her passing reignites the debate on the transparency of medical information concerning members of the royal family and on the future of institutions linked to the monarchy.
Funeral arrangements and public tribute
The palace indicated that the princess’s body would be displayed in a ardent chapel At Grand Palace from Bangkok, and that the funeral will be held “with the highest honors, in accordance with royal tradition.” These ceremonies, of great symbolic importance, will attract national and international attention and will be an opportunity for official and public tributes. The practical arrangements and schedule of the funeral will be communicated later by the Royal Household.
Media coverage and parallel investigations
The media published numerous accounts, analyses, and retrospectives following the announcement of the death. Several articles summarized the factual elements, while others focused on the unanswered questions surrounding the years of hospitalization. For an overview of the key facts and unresolved issues, see, for example, Southeast Asia and reports from major international publications such as France 24.
Essential facts
- Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol — known as the Princess Bha — died at 47 years old.
- She was there eldest daughter of the reigning king and held the functions of diplomat, prosecutor And criminal lawyer.
- In December 2022She was the victim of heart attack during a training session with military dogs and has remained unconscious ever since.
- Hospitalized at Chulalongkorn from Bangkok, she underwent a severe blood infection and depended on devices for pulmonary and renal functions.
- A recent bulletin mentioned a deterioration due to an infection that had become uncontrollable before his death, which occurred ” peacefully » at 7:48 p.m. on a Thursday.
Aftermath and reactions
- The body will be displayed in a ardent chapel At Grand Palace from Bangkok.
- The funeral will take place with the highest honors and according to the royal tradition.
- The official communication regarding his condition had been sporadic, now the population in thewaiting.
- She was widely described as loved, respected and admired throughout the kingdom.
- Recent official announcements had prepared the nation for theinevitable, given the seriousness of his condition.
Frequently Asked Questions — Death of Princess Bha
Q: Who was the deceased princess?
A: This is about Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, affectionately known in Thailand as “Princess Bha”, the king’s eldest daughter. She was a diplomat, prosecutor and criminal lawyer and enjoyed great esteem in the kingdom.
Q: How old was she when she died?
A: The princess died at the age of 47 years old.
Q: What was the initial cause of his hospitalization?
A: She had suffered a heart attack in December 2022, during a training session with army dogs, which left her unconscious and hospitalized.
Q: Where was she receiving medical care?
A: The princess was hospitalized at theChulalongkorn Hospital from Bangkok, where she remained in intensive care for more than three years.
Q: What developments have there been in his health over time?
A: After the initial cardiac arrest, his condition remained critical; August 2025The palace indicated that she was suffering from a serious blood infection and depended onmedical devices to support its functions pulmonary And kidneyA bulletin published a few weeks before his death reported a deterioration and an infection that has become ” uncontrollable “.
Q: When and how was the death announced?
A: The royal household office announced the death, stating that the princess passed away peacefully » Thursday at 7:48 PMThe statement was officially released by the palace.
Q: What funeral arrangements have been made?
A: His remains will be displayed in a funeral chapel at the Grand Palace in Bangkok and the funeral will take place with the highest honors“in accordance with royal tradition.”
Q: What was the public’s reaction?
A: The princess’s death deeply affected the country; she was widely loved, respected And admiredand the public remained attentive to the rare official communications about his health throughout his long hospitalization.
Q: Who are the family members mentioned in the announcement?
A: The princess was the only child from the reigning king’s first marriage. Maha Vajiralongkorn, with the Princess Soamsawali.
Q: Are there any further details on the final medical causes?
A: The palace mentioned a serious deterioration and one uncontrollable infection having affected his organs, after years of care supported by devices for lung and kidney functions.