By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday expressed condolences to Thailand following the passing of Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, the eldest daughter of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
She was 47.
In a Facebook post, Marcos said the Philippines joins the Thai Royal Family and the Thai people in mourning the loss, highlighting the Princess’ legacy of public service and her advocacy for justice, human dignity, and women’s rights.
“The Philippines stands in solidarity with the people of Thailand in mourning this profound loss and in honoring the remarkable legacy of Her Royal Highness,” Marcos said in a Facebook post.
“Her lifelong dedication to public service and her commitment to justice, human dignity and women’s rights leave an enduring legacy that will be remembered by the Thai nation and admired by the international community,” he added.
The Royal Palace on Friday announced that Princess Bajrakitiyabha, known in Thailand as Princess Bha, has died after nearly four years in coma due to heart issues. She passed away at a hospital in Bangkok on Thursday night.
In 2022, she experienced a sudden heart-related medical emergency while training with the Thai military’s canine unit.
She was placed under intensive medical care after losing consciousness.
Her condition had since been closely followed by the Thai public due to her senior royal status.
Considered a potential heir to the throne, she had an extensive experience in public service and diplomacy.
She worked in Thailand’s justice system, including roles related to prosecution and legal reform, and also served in diplomatic positions.
She was appointed as the goodwill ambassador for the rule of law in Southeast Asia by the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in 2017, focusing on issues affecting women in prisons and broader criminal justice reform.
She held academic background in law, having studied in Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, including advanced legal training at institutions such as Cornell University. (PNA)
