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Where Thai princess's death leaves country's monarchy

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Anja Kueppers-McKinnon
June 12, 2026

Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha has died at the age of 47 and the nation is in mourning. Her death matters deeply to the future of the Thai monarchy, because she was seen as the best hope for its future.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha, the Thai king's eldest child and a respected diplomat and legal advocate, has died aged 47 after nearly four years in a coma. Widely seen as a capable heir, she was known for charity work and championing prisoners' rights. Her death has triggered national mourning in Thailand, but also renewed uncertainty over royal succession amid family divisions, strict lèse-majesté laws and ongoing debates about the monarchy's future.

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