[Sportschosun Jang Jong-ho] Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, the eldest daughter of the Thai Royal Family, has died at the age of 47.
The Royal Household Bureau of Thailand announced in a statement on the 12th that Princess Bajrakitiyabha passed away peacefully at 7:48 p.m. the previous day at Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok.
The bureau said, "Medical staff did everything they could and continued treatment and monitoring, but she ultimately did not recover."
The princess collapsed suddenly during a military dog training event held on Dec. 14, 2022, in Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, and was transferred to a hospital the following day for long-term treatment. She was believed to have lost consciousness due to a heart-related condition and remained hospitalized ever since.
According to the bureau, medical staff detected an abdominal infection caused by inflammation of the colon in April this year. However, the infection was not properly controlled, and her condition gradually became unstable, with low blood pressure, arrhythmia and abnormal blood clotting also reported.
In particular, since May 21, a severe infection began affecting the function of several major organs. The royal medical team provided intensive monitoring and treatment, but her condition gradually worsened, the royal household said.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol was the eldest daughter of King Vajiralongkorn, 73, and a key figure in Thailand's line of succession.
During her lifetime, she worked as a lawyer and diplomat, and also took part in the work of the Thai Public Prosecutor's Office and international organizations. She was also known for her efforts to protect women and children and support vulnerable groups.
Jang Jong-ho, bellho@sportschosun.com
