Princess Bha, a Thai Royal Figure, Passes at 47

Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati of Thailand, known to many as a possible future monarch, has died at the age of 47. She passed away in a hospital in Bangkok, where she had been in a coma for three and a half years, as confirmed by the royal palace.

The princess collapsed in December 2022 while running with her dogs in a northern Thailand park. Since then, she had been on life support. In May, the palace disclosed that she suffered from an abdominal infection, which contributed to low blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat.

King Maha Vajiralongkorn, at 73 years old, had not publicly designated an heir, and Princess Bha was often viewed as a potential candidate for the throne. Her death adds complexity to the succession scenario within the Thai monarchy.

Princess Bha was King Vajiralongkorn’s only child with his first wife, Princess Soamsawali, who is also his cousin. Her esteemed lineage made her a strong contender to become Thailand’s first ruling queen. The king has had a controversial marital history, with four marriages and seven children. He has disowned four sons he fathered with his second wife, actress Sujarinee Vivacharawongse, even before their marriage.

In Thailand, succession does not automatically follow a set line. The monarch has the privilege to appoint his successor. Moreover, in the absence of a designated heir, the Thai constitution permits the nation’s privy council to nominate a princess to the throne.