Thai Princess Bha Dies at 47, Complicating Royal Succession

Princess Bha, the eldest child of Thailand’s king and a figure seen as a likely candidate for the throne, passed away on Thursday in a Bangkok hospital. She had been in a coma for three and a half years and was 47 years old.

The princess, whose full name was Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, had been receiving life support since December 2022. Her health deteriorated after she collapsed while running with her dogs in a park in northern Thailand. In May, doctors revealed that she had contracted an abdominal infection, which led to low blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat.

Her death brings further uncertainty to the succession plans of the Thai monarchy. King Maha Vajiralongkorn, aged 73, has not officially designated an heir. Many observers considered Princess Bha a potential candidate to become Thailand’s first reigning queen due to her heritage. She was the sole child of the king and his first wife, Princess Soamsawali, who is a cousin of the king.

The king’s personal life has included multiple marriages, with a total of seven children. He has disowned four sons from his second wife, Sujarinee Vivacharawongse, who was an actress. These events add complexity to any decision regarding succession.

Succession in Thailand is not always straightforward, as the constitution allows the king to choose an heir. Additionally, if no successor is appointed, the country’s privy council has the authority to recommend a princess for the throne.

Princess Bha was pictured with her brother, Prince Dipangkorn, and their father, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, at the Grand Palace in Bangkok in 2019. Analysts viewed her as a contender for the throne due to her lineage and public role.