Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha dies at 47 after three years in coma

Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati of Thailand died on January 8, 2024, at the age of 47. The Royal Household Bureau announced her passing in a statement, noting that she had been hospitalized since December 2023 due to a heart condition that led to her being unconscious for nearly a year. The princess, the eldest daughter of King Vajiralongkorn, was a prominent figure known for her legal advocacy and had served as Thailand's ambassador to Austria. Her death marks a significant moment for the Thai monarchy, as she was considered a potential successor to the throne. She had been in a coma for approximately 11 months prior to her death, following a severe heart ailment. The Royal Household Bureau stated that her funeral rites would be conducted according to royal traditions.