SocietyThailand
Where Thai princess's death leaves country's monarchy

This browser does not support the video element.
Anja Kueppers-McKinnon
June 12, 2026Advertisement
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.