India condoles death of Thailand's Princess Bajrakitiyabha, 47, after long illness
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The Embassy of India in Bangkok on 13 June 2026 extended formal condolences to the Thai Royal Family and the people of Thailand following the death of Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati Kromluangrajasarinisiribajra Mahavajrarajadhita, who passed away on 11 June 2026 at the age of 47. The Princess had been hospitalised since 15 December 2022 following a cardiac episode, and her condition had deteriorated sharply in the final weeks of her life.
India's Official Condolences
The Indian Embassy in Bangkok posted a formal message of condolence on X, stating: 'The Embassy of India in Bangkok extends its deepest condolences on the sad passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati Kromluangrajasarinisiribajra Mahavajrarajadhita. At this hour of profound loss, our thoughts and prayers are with His Majesty the King, The Royal Family, and the people of Thailand. The enduring contributions of Her Royal Highness in public service and diplomacy will be fondly remembered.'
Circumstances of Her Passing
According to a statement issued by Thailand's Government Public Relations Department, the Bureau of the Royal Household confirmed that the Princess passed away peacefully on 11 June 2026 at 7:48 pm local time at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok. She had been admitted on 15 December 2022 after losing consciousness due to a heart condition.
The statement noted that in April 2026, doctors detected an abdominal infection caused by inflammation of the large intestine, which rendered her condition unstable — marked by low blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, and blood-clotting abnormalities. 'Although the medical team provided treatment for Her Royal Highness to the best of its ability, Her Royal Highness's condition deteriorated,' the statement read.
Royal Funeral Arrangements
Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua (Rama X) issued a Royal Command directing the Bureau of the Royal Household to arrange royal funeral rites with the highest honours accorded by royal tradition. The Princess's remains will lie in state at the Biman Rataya Pavilion within the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Life and Legacy of Princess Bajrakitiyabha
Born in Bangkok on 7 December 1978, Princess Bajrakitiyabha was the eldest child of King Rama X and his former consort, Princess Soamsawali Krom Muen Suddhanarinatha. After completing her legal education, she served as a public prosecutor at the Office of Attorney General across multiple cities, including Bangkok, Udon Thani, Pattaya, Nong Bua Lamphu, and Rayong.
She served as Thai Ambassador to Vienna, Austria, from 2012 to 2014, and later as a special lecturer for the Master of Laws Programme at Thammasat University's Faculty of Law in 2019. In early 2021, she was appointed the King's Close Bodyguard and subsequently Chief of Staff at the King's Close Bodyguard Command.
Affectionately known as 'Princess Pa' among the Thai people, she founded the Friends in Need (of 'Pa') Volunteers Foundation, which operates through the Thai Red Cross Society to assist victims of natural and man-made disasters, particularly floods. She also established the Bajrakitiyabha Scholarship Program for Legal Studies and chaired a scholarship programme for the Master of Laws degree at Cornell Law School.
Her passing marks the end of a life defined by legal scholarship, diplomatic service, and humanitarian work — and India's formal expression of grief underscores the warmth of bilateral ties between the two nations.