Thailand princess passes away after years in coma

Thailand's Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, a lawyer and the eldest of King Maha Vajiralongkorn's children, has died at 47, the Bureau of the Royal Household said.

She died Thursday evening at a Bangkok hospital where she had been cared for since falling unconscious due to illness three years ago, according to the statement issued Friday.

Bajrakitiyabha was active in justice reform efforts and best known for her Kamlangjai, or "Inspire," project to help rehabilitate incarcerated Thai women ahead of their release.

Bajrakitiyabha was hospitalized in December 2022 after falling unconscious while training dogs for an army exhibition.

The palace said she had a mycoplasma infection, a bacterial infection usually associated with pneumonia.

"I know she was sick, but I wished there were a miracle. Last night I slept here, until I heard the announcement at 7:45 this morning," said Pattamaporn Kaewkityakorn, a local resident. "I was sad and shocked."

Pattamaporn Kaewkityakorn was one of several mourners gathered at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, who held photos of the princess.

"When I heard the news of the princess death this morning, I had tightness in my chest and I feel sad, very sad," said Ratchaporn Tithong, a local resident.