Thailand is mourning the passing of Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati, affectionately known to the public as “Princess Bha”, who died on 11 June 2026 at the age of 47.
The Princess was the eldest daughter of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Princess Soamsawali, and the first grandchild of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great and Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother. For many Thais, she was not only a member of the royal family but also a figure of hope, warmth and dedication whose public service touched countless lives.
A scholar with a passion for law and justice
Princess Bajrakitiyabha’s life was marked by academic excellence and a deep commitment to the rule of law. She graduated from the Faculty of Law at Thammasat University in 2001 with second-class honours before continuing her studies in the United States. She later earned a Doctor of the Science of Law (J.S.D.) from Cornell University, one of the world’s leading institutions for legal studies.
Her legal training shaped much of her later work, particularly in criminal justice, human rights and the treatment of vulnerable groups in society.
A respected diplomat on the world stage
As a royal diplomat, Princess Bajrakitiyabha represented Thailand with distinction and grace. She served as Thailand’s representative to the 60th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where she worked on issues ranging from crime prevention and criminal justice to migration, human rights, maritime law and counter-terrorism.
Her intelligence, poise and diplomatic skill earned admiration internationally and helped strengthen Thailand’s role in multilateral diplomacy. Thai diplomats and officials often spoke of her insightful contributions in shaping the country’s positions on important global issues.
Champion of the vulnerable
Beyond diplomacy, the Princess devoted herself to helping people in distress. She served as chairperson of the Friends in Need (of “PA”) Volunteers Foundation, which began as a royal volunteer initiative in 1995 to assist victims of floods and other disasters across Thailand.
Her compassion was perhaps most evident in the Kamlangjai Project, founded on 14 September 2001 while she was still a law student. After visiting the Central Women Correctional Institution in Bangkok, she became deeply concerned about the lives of female inmates and their children.
The project expanded to support pregnant prisoners, children living with incarcerated mothers and elderly female inmates. Princess Bajrakitiyabha also played a key role internationally in promoting standards for the treatment of women prisoners through the initiative “Enhancing Life for Female Inmates” (ELFI), helping advance global discussions on the rights and welfare of female inmates.
International recognition for humanitarian work
Her efforts in justice reform and women’s rights received international acclaim. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) awarded her the Medal of Recognition for her contributions to legal education, anti-violence campaigns, prison reform and humanitarian initiatives.
She was also appointed a UNIFEM Goodwill Ambassador in the campaign against violence against women. UN officials praised her commitment to supporting female prisoners and their children, and to providing opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
A princess remembered by the people
To the Thai public, Princess Bajrakitiyabha was known simply and lovingly as “Princess Bha.” She combined royal dignity with approachability, intellect with compassion, and public duty with genuine concern for ordinary people.
Her passing marks the end of a life dedicated to service — in diplomacy, in the pursuit of justice and in helping those most in need. Yet her legacy will endure through the institutions she helped build, the people she supported and the causes she championed.
Khaosod English joins the nation in mourning the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati and respectfully remembers her enduring contributions to Thailand and its people.
