Thailand is in mourning following the death of Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, known affectionately as Princess Bha. She passed away on Thursday evening at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok after nearly four years in a coma due to heart problems and other health complications. The princess was 47.
Key Takeaways
Thailand is mourning the death of Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, who passed away at age 47 after nearly four years in a coma. She was known for her work in justice reform and as a diplomat. The public will participate in royal bathing rites during her funeral procession on Saturday.
- Princess Bha died on Thursday evening after multiple health complications
- She had been hospitalized since December 2018 due to heart problems
- Public mourning rituals begin with a funeral procession from Chulalongkorn Hospital to the Grand Palace
- Princess Bha was considered a potential future leader and regent
Source Claims Check
High Consensus| Claim | Status | Reason | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cause Of Death | Broad Agreement | Multiple health complications after coma | |
| Date Of Hospitalization | Broad Agreement | December 2018 due to heart problems | |
| Public Participation In Funeral Rites | Broad Agreement | Public allowed to take part in royal bathing rites |
Mourners gathered outside the hospital, dressed in black and holding framed photos of the late princess. According to The Guardian, some images showed Princess Bha as a rosy-cheeked baby, while others depicted her in red military dress with shining badges and a ceremonial sword. The public is expected to participate in royal bathing rites during her funeral procession on Saturday.
Princess Bha was the eldest child of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and was considered by many analysts to be a well-suited heir to the throne, although this had never been officially addressed. She studied law at Cornell University and worked as an attorney in the Thai Office of the Attorney-General from 2006 to 2011. According to Reuters, she also served as Thailand's ambassador to Austria, Slovenia, and Slovakia from 2012 to 2014.
The princess was known for her work in justice reform and her efforts to improve the livelihoods of female prisoners. She founded a charity promoting the rights of female inmates and was appointed as the goodwill ambassador for the rule of law in Southeast Asia by the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in 2017. Her passing comes just eight months after the death of Queen Mother Sirikit, adding to the nation's grief.
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