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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PBBM condoles with Thailand over death of Princess Bajrakitiyabha

PBBM condoles with Thailand over death of Princess Bajrakitiyabha

Published Jun 13, 2026 11:51 am

At A Glance

  • President Marcos extended condolences to Thailand following the death of Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati.
  • The Thai princess died at age 47 after spending nearly four years in a coma following a collapse in 2022.
  • Marcos said her dedication to public service, justice, human dignity, and women's rights left an enduring legacy.
Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati (PR Thai Government/Facebook)
Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati (PR Thai Government/Facebook)

President Marcos has extended his condolences to the people of Thailand and the Thai royal family following the death of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, describing her as a public servant whose commitment to justice and human dignity left an enduring legacy.

In a message released by Malacañang on Saturday, June 13, the President conveyed the sympathies of the Philippine government and the Filipino people to Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn, the royal family, and the Thai nation.

“On behalf of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Filipino people, I extend my deepest condolences to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, the Royal Family, and the people of Thailand on the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati,” he said.

The President paid tribute to the princess's contributions to public service and human rights.

“Her lifelong dedication to public service and her commitment to justice, human dignity, and women's rights leave an enduring legacy that will be remembered by the Thai nation and admired by the international community,” he said.

“The Philippines stands in solidarity with the people of Thailand in mourning this profound loss and in honoring the remarkable legacy of Her Royal Highness,” he added.

Died after nearly four years in a coma

Princess Bajrakitiyabha, also known in Thailand as “Princess Pa,” died on June 11 at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok at the age of 47 after spending nearly four years in a coma.

The eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn collapsed in December 2022 while training dogs for a military working dog competition. Thai palace statements said she suffered a severe heart arrhythmia and later developed multiple complications, including infections, colitis, blood-clotting disorders, and organ failure.

Despite prolonged medical treatment and life-support measures, her condition gradually deteriorated until her death on Thursday evening.

Lawyer, diplomat, advocate

Princess Bajrakitiyabha was widely regarded as one of the most accomplished members of Thailand's royal family.

A Cornell University-trained lawyer, she served as a public prosecutor and later as Thailand's ambassador to Austria, Slovenia, and Slovakia. She also held positions in the Thai attorney general's office and the Royal Security Command.

The princess earned international recognition for her advocacy for women prisoners and justice reform and served as a United Nations goodwill ambassador for the rule of law in Southeast Asia. She was instrumental in promoting the UN's “Bangkok Rules” on the treatment of women prisoners and women offenders.

Her death has prompted an outpouring of grief across Thailand, with royal funeral rites scheduled at the Grand Palace and members of the public allowed to pay their respects in Bangkok. National mourning is also expected to be observed.

Related Tags

President Marcos Bongbong Marcos PH-Thailand Thailand Princess Bajrakitiyabha
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