World leaders and royals pay tribute to Thailand's Princess Bajrakitiyabha
Royal families, governments and international bodies have expressed condolences following the death of HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha of Thailand, recalling her work in justice, diplomacy and women's welfare.
- Princess Bajrakitiyabha died on 11 June 2026, aged 47, after years in a coma.
- World leaders and UN bodies praised her justice and humanitarian work.
- Royal Funeral Procession to the Grand Palace held on 13 June 2026.
Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati, the eldest child of King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand, died on Thursday, 11 June 2026, at the age of 47, after spending more than three years in a coma. Her death prompted an outpouring of condolences from royal families, governments, diplomatic missions and international organisations worldwide.
Her Royal Funeral Procession to the Grand Palace in Bangkok is scheduled for Saturday, 13 June 2026, beginning at 3.45pm Bangkok time. Crowds gathered outside King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in the days following her death to pay their respects.
King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan were among the first to send condolences, expressing sadness at the Princess's passing. They praised her contributions to justice, support for women and children, and service in the Royal Thai Armed Forces.
King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia described her death as a profound loss, sending condolences to King Vajiralongkorn and saying her legacy of service would continue to inspire those who mourn her.
The United States also extended condolences. US Ambassador Sean O'Neill said the country stood with Thailand during a sombre period, offering sympathies on behalf of the American people.
Singapore's leaders also wrote to their Thai counterparts. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, in a letter to King Vajiralongkorn, described the Princess as having lived a life of service, recalling her reputation as a prosecutor and diplomat known for her strong sense of justice.
President Tharman noted her support for the Thai Red Cross Society and the Children Foundation at Phramongkutklao Hospital, describing these efforts as a lifeline for those in need. He recalled her visits to Singapore in 1999 and 2014, saying Singaporeans who met her were impressed by her poise and intellect.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, writing to Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, said the Princess would be remembered for her contributions to Thai society and her advocacy for the vulnerable. He described her as a skilled prosecutor and accomplished diplomat, internationally respected for advancing women's rights.
PM Wong added that she played a significant role in shaping international norms for the treatment and welfare of female prisoners.
Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, writing to Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, said her advocacy for justice, the rule of law and women's rights had been recognised internationally by the United Nations.
The Singapore Embassy in Bangkok confirmed in a Facebook post on 13 June 2026 that the Singapore Government was deeply saddened by the Princess's passing, sharing the three leaders' letters of condolence.
Embassies of Argentina, Australia, India, Indonesia and the Nordic countries in Thailand also issued messages of sympathy, citing her contributions to diplomacy, public service and the rule of law.
International organisations echoed these tributes. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees said it was profoundly saddened, noting her commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable people, particularly women and children.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime praised her longstanding efforts to promote justice and the rule of law. It highlighted her role in advancing the Bangkok Rules, the UN standards for the treatment of female prisoners, describing the initiative as a lasting legacy benefiting women globally.
UNODC also noted her service as its Goodwill Ambassador for the Rule of Law in Southeast Asia, saying her advocacy had inspired people across the region.
Background
Princess Bajrakitiyabha was born on Thursday, 7 December 1978, at Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall, Dusit Palace, Bangkok. She was the only daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Princess Soamsawali, and the first grandchild of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit.
She received her early education at Rajini School, before attending Heathfield School in Ascot, United Kingdom, and Chitralada School in Bangkok.
In 2001, she earned a law degree from Thammasat University and a political science degree from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University. She qualified as a Barrister-at-Law in 2004, before completing a Master of Laws and a Doctor of the Science of Law at Cornell University in New York.
After her studies, she worked as a public prosecutor at Thailand's Office of the Attorney-General, serving in Bangkok, Udon Thani, Pattaya, Nong Bua Lamphu and Rayong. She also served as Thailand's Ambassador to Austria from 2012 to 2014 and as its permanent representative to the United Nations.
She was appointed the King's Close Bodyguard in early 2021 and later became Chief of Staff at the King's Close Bodyguard Command.
The Princess established the Bajrakitiyabha Scholarship Program for Legal Studies and chaired a scholarship programme for postgraduate legal studies at Cornell Law School.
She had a long-standing interest in the welfare of female prison inmates, particularly pregnant inmates and children of detained mothers. She initiated the Inspire Project, known in Thai as the Kamlangjai Project, aimed at helping offenders reintegrate into society.
Known affectionately as "Princess Pa," she also founded the Friends in Need (of "Pa") Volunteers Foundation, which provides disaster relief through the Thai Red Cross Society.
