Thailand mourns Princess Bajrakitiyabha as succession questions resurface

A three-year vigil ends

Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, known affectionately as "Princess Bha", died on Thursday evening at Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok. She was 47. The princess had been in a coma since December 2022, when she suffered a cardiac arrest during an army dog training session. A severe blood infection followed, and she never regained consciousness. Her death was announced on Friday, triggering an outpouring of grief across Thailand.

A royal send-off at the Grand Palace

On Saturday afternoon, a procession led by King Rama X and Queen Suthida transported the princess's body over 10 kilometres to the Grand Palace, the former official residence of the royal family. The same grey van that had carried the body of King Rama IX in 2016 was used. Inside the palace complex, hundreds of mourners waited in the rain for a Buddhist bathing ceremony. They filled and emptied cups of blessed water before a portrait of the deceased, a purification ritual.

“We knew she was ill for a long time, but saying goodbye is hard. We were lying to ourselves a little, hoping for a miracle.”

A people's princess

Bajrakitiyabha held a doctorate in law from Cornell University and worked as a prosecutor and diplomat. She served as ambassador to the United Nations, Austria, and Slovenia, and dedicated herself to combating violence against women and supporting the rehabilitation of female prisoners. Mourners of all ages lined the route. Some held photographs of the princess.

“I am very sad. I have seen her since she was very little. I prayed to the sacred spirits when she was sick to protect her.”

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul called her "a source of inspiration" in a televised address, saying she was "loved, respected and admired throughout the kingdom." The government declared 15 days of national mourning, ordering flags at half-mast on all official buildings. The public is invited to leave offerings and sign a condolence book at the Grand Palace over the next two weeks.

Succession uncertainty revived

The princess's death brings fresh attention to the line of succession. King Rama X, 73, has seven children from four marriages, but four were stripped of their titles along with his second wife. Only two other potential successors with full royal titles remain: his younger son, the only legitimate male heir, and Princess Sirivannavari, his other daughter. Bajrakitiyabha had been widely seen by specialists as the likely heir.

“He has a heart, like everyone. This is a very difficult moment for him. Thais want to tell him he is not alone. We are a big family.”

Mourners also expressed support for the king, who recently lost his mother, former Queen Sirikit, who died in October at age 93.