BANGKOK — The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati, praising her lifelong commitment to justice, the rule of law and the protection of vulnerable people.
In a statement, the staff and management of UNODC’s Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific said they mourned the loss of the Princess, whose work touched the lives of countless people in Thailand, particularly those involved in the criminal justice system.
UNODC said Princess Bajrakitiyabha took a deep interest in the welfare of people caught in the justice process and became a champion of the rule of law and fair treatment for all.
The agency highlighted her efforts to advance international standards for the treatment of women prisoners and non-custodial measures for women offenders, known as the Bangkok Rules, describing them as a lasting legacy that has benefited generations of women around the world.
UNODC also noted her role as its Goodwill Ambassador for the Rule of Law in Southeast Asia, saying she was not only an advocate for justice in Thailand but also an inspiration to people across the region and beyond.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha, the eldest daughter of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, died on 11 June at the age of 47. Throughout her life, she championed legal reform, women’s rights and humanitarian causes, earning recognition both in Thailand and internationally.
