Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, the eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand, has been lying unconscious in hospital since December 2022. The Thai royal family recently released a rare update revealing that she has now suffered a “severe” blood infection, further complicating her already fragile health.
The update marks the first official statement about her condition in over two years and has drawn attention across the country and internationally, as the princess holds a prominent place in Thailand’s royal hierarchy. Her story is not only one of personal tragedy but also one deeply intertwined with the monarchy, politics, and cultural traditions of Thailand.
The royal palace revealed that Princess Bajrakitiyabha’s condition worsened on August 9, 2025, when doctors detected a severe bloodstream infection. According to the statement, her lungs and kidneys have been functioning only with the help of medical devices and strong medication. Doctors have been administering antibiotics and blood pressure medications to stabilize her condition, and she remains under close medical supervision. The news has caused an outpouring of concern among Thais, many of whom regard her with deep affection and respect.
The princess’s medical crisis began in December 2022 during a military dog training session in Nakhon Ratchasima, a province north of Bangkok. She suddenly collapsed from what was later revealed to be a serious heart condition. Despite intensive treatment, she has remained unconscious ever since. Her health situation has become a sensitive topic in Thailand, as the monarchy is protected by strict lese-majeste laws, which make open discussion of the royal family fraught with legal risks.
Who is Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol?
Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, often affectionately called “Princess Bha” in Thailand, was born on December 7, 1978. She is the only daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and his first wife, Princess Soamsawali Kitiyakara. Her position as the eldest child of the king gives her a unique place within the royal family, especially in discussions about succession. Though Thailand’s succession laws traditionally favor male heirs, her public role and accomplishments have made her a highly respected royal figure in her own right.
Educated across three continents, Princess Bajrakitiyabha holds degrees from prestigious institutions in Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. She studied law at Thammasat University in Bangkok, earned a master’s degree from Cornell University, and completed her doctorate in law from the same institution. Her academic background, coupled with her deep connection to the Thai monarchy, positioned her for influential roles both domestically and internationally.
One of the most notable aspects of her career has been her work with the United Nations. She served as Thailand’s Ambassador to Austria and was actively involved in advocating for the rights of women in prisons. She spearheaded several initiatives aimed at improving prison conditions, particularly for female inmates and mothers, and worked to integrate these changes into Thailand’s legal framework. Her humanitarian efforts gained recognition not only within Thailand but also internationally.
Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol is under intensive medical care in Bangkok with apparent heart problems and is receiving support for her lungs and kidneys. pic.twitter.com/90UmUtFvWT
— South China Morning Post (@SCMPNews) December 21, 2022
In addition to her diplomatic and advocacy work, Princess Bajrakitiyabha held a senior role in her father’s Royal Guard Command, a position she was appointed to in 2021, just a year before her sudden illness. This role demonstrated her close relationship with King Vajiralongkorn and her willingness to take on responsibilities within the royal institution.
The Timeline of Her Illness
The tragic health crisis that has left Princess Bajrakitiyabha unconscious began abruptly in December 2022. While participating in a military dog training event in Nakhon Ratchasima, she collapsed due to a heart condition. The event was intended to be routine, but it quickly turned into a medical emergency. She was rushed to a local hospital before being transferred to Bangkok for specialized treatment.
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Initial reports from the royal household were brief and offered limited details. It was confirmed that she was unconscious and receiving intensive medical care. Over time, updates became infrequent, and for more than two years, there was almost complete silence from official channels regarding her health. This absence of information led to speculation among the public, but discussions remained muted due to Thailand’s strict laws on speaking about the royal family.
On August 9, 2025, the royal household disclosed that Princess Bajrakitiyabha had developed a severe bloodstream infection. Doctors responded by administering antibiotics and medication to maintain her blood pressure at stable levels. Her lungs and kidneys continue to function with medical support, but her condition remains critical. Medical experts are carefully monitoring her situation and providing continuous treatment, hoping to stabilize her health.
The Significance of Princess Bajrakitiyabha in Thailand
Princess Bajrakitiyabha’s influence extends beyond her royal lineage. She has become a symbol of social advocacy in Thailand, particularly for women and marginalized groups. Her initiatives in prison reform have drawn international attention and highlighted the need for humanitarian reforms in institutions that are often overlooked. Her dedication to public service has earned her admiration not only from the Thai people but also from global organizations that monitor human rights and social justice.
Her position within the monarchy also carries cultural and political significance. As the eldest daughter of King Vajiralongkorn, she is closely connected to discussions about succession, even though traditional Thai law prioritizes male heirs. Her roles in both the royal guard and diplomatic circles demonstrate her ability to balance ceremonial duties with active governance and social reform, making her one of the most prominent female figures in Thailand’s recent history.
The severity of her current health crisis has sparked concern about the future of her initiatives and the ongoing leadership within the royal family. The Thai people are keenly aware of her contributions and hope for her recovery, while the global community watches with empathy and interest. The careful handling of information by the palace reflects both the sensitivity of the situation and the deep respect for the princess.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol’s story is also a reminder of the challenges faced by royal families worldwide, where personal health crises intersect with public expectations and political responsibilities. Her dedication to public service, humanitarian work, and the modernization of Thailand’s institutions highlights the potential impact of royal figures when they engage actively with society. Her current struggle with a severe infection underscores the vulnerability of even the most prominent individuals and the importance of medical care, transparency, and public concern in times of crisis.
As she continues to receive intensive care, her legacy of advocacy and service remains a guiding force for many in Thailand. While her future is uncertain, her accomplishments and the respect she commands are undeniable. The ongoing monitoring and treatment of her condition are a testament to both the challenges of critical illness and the support she has from medical professionals, the royal family, and the Thai people.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol is more than a royal figure; she is an accomplished diplomat, humanitarian, and public servant. Her current unconscious state due to a heart condition and severe bloodstream infection has drawn global attention, highlighting both her personal vulnerability and her significant contributions to society.
From her educational achievements to her advocacy work and royal duties, Princess Bajrakitiyabha remains a prominent figure in Thailand’s modern history. Her story reflects the intertwining of monarchy, social responsibility, and personal resilience, and her recovery is a hope that resonates with people across the nation and the world.