Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha dies after more than three years in coma
Yahoo News Canada • • nation
Key Points:
- Thailand's Princess Bajrakitiyabha, aged 47, has died after being in a coma for over three years due to a severely irregular heartbeat caused by a mycoplasma infection in her heart.
- She was the eldest child of King Vajiralongkorn and was considered a highly accomplished member of the royal family, with a background in law and diplomacy, including roles at the UN and as Thailand's ambassador to Austria.
- The princess was an advocate for penal reform, focusing on vulnerable women in prison, and served as the UNODC's Ambassador for the Rule of Law in Southeast Asia.
- Her death raises uncertainty about the Thai royal succession, as King Vajiralongkorn has not named an heir, and while tradition favors a male successor, Princess Bajrakitiyabha was seen by many as a potential future leader.
- Thailand's strict lese majeste laws prevent public discussion of the succession issue, leaving the future leadership of the monarchy unclear.