Thailand’s Princess Bajrakitiyabha has died after spending more than three years in a coma, the royal palace has announced.
The 47-year-old — who was the eldest child of King Vajiralongkorn’s seven children — collapsed in December 2022 while exercising her dogs. She was airlifted by helicopter to Bangkok for treatment, with doctors blaming an irregular heartbeat caused by an infection in her heart.
She never woke from her coma and became known as the sleeping princess. On Thursday evening, the accomplished royal family member passed away after her condition worsened, the palace said.
“The medical team provided the closest and most intensive care possible, but her condition continued to decline progressively,” the palace said in a statement.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha was a respected figure in Thailand, known for her work in law and diplomacy. She served as Thailand's ambassador to Austria and was also a UN goodwill ambassador. Her death marks a significant loss for the royal family and the nation.
The princess had been in a coma since December 2022 after suffering a heart infection that led to an irregular heartbeat. Despite extensive medical efforts, she never regained consciousness. Her passing has prompted an outpouring of grief from royalists and the public.
The royal palace has not yet announced funeral arrangements, but it is expected that a period of mourning will be observed. More details are expected to be released in the coming days.
