Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha Dies at 47; Revered for Legal Career and Public Service
Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati, the eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, passed away at 47. A prosecutor and diplomat, she founded the 'Inspire Project' for female inmates, which led to the UN 'Bangkok Rules' on women prisoners' treatment. She was also a prominent philanthropist.
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(Central News Agency, Bangkok, 12th – Special Dispatch) Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati, the eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand, passed away on the evening of the 11th at the age of 47. She served as a prosecutor and diplomat and dedicated herself to the rights of female inmates and public welfare, contributing to support for women prisoners, disaster relief, and legal education.
The Nation newspaper reported on the 12th that Princess Bajrakitiyabha made outstanding contributions to Thailand in areas including public welfare, legal affairs, judicial reform, and support for vulnerable groups.
Born on December 7, 1978, Princess Bajrakitiyabha was the eldest child and only daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and his first wife, Princess Somsawali. King Vajiralongkorn has been married four times; he married Somsawali in 1977 and divorced in 1991.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha was also the first grandchild of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Mother Sirikit. Due to her unique background and long-term involvement in public affairs, she enjoyed high recognition and prestige in Thai society.
Deeply involved in the legal field, Princess Bajrakitiyabha earned a Bachelor of Laws from Thammasat University and a degree in Political Science from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University. She then went to the United States to obtain a Master of Laws and a Doctor of Juridical Science from Cornell University.
After completing her education, she entered the Thai judicial system, working in the Office of the Attorney General as an assistant prosecutor. She was later promoted to positions such as Provincial Chief Prosecutor, earning the reputation of the 'Law Princess.'
Beyond her legal expertise, she was best known for championing the rights of female inmates. She founded the 'Inspire Project' to improve living conditions for women prisoners, pregnant inmates, and children living with their mothers in prison, providing vocational training, medical services, and psychological counseling.
According to Thai PBS, the 'Inspire Project' she promoted resonated internationally, ultimately leading to the United Nations' adoption of the 'Bangkok Rules.' These rules establish international standards for the treatment of women prisoners, officially named the 'United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders.'
In international affairs, Princess Bajrakitiyabha served as Thailand's representative to the United Nations Office at Vienna and also served as Thailand's ambassador to Austria, Slovakia, and Slovenia.
Furthermore, she was long involved in charitable work, serving as Chairperson of the Thai Red Cross Society Volunteer Foundation, assisting in natural disaster relief and support for the underprivileged. She also established a scholarship program to fund Thai legal professionals for overseas study.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha was considered to have a close relationship with her father. Before her hospitalization, she was appointed to a high-ranking position in the King's command structure and frequently represented the royal family at important domestic and international events.
In December 2022, she lost consciousness due to a heart condition while training her dog and was subsequently hospitalized. Her health condition was a matter of great public concern in Thailand.
The Thai royal palace announced on the 12th that Princess Bajrakitiyabha passed away on the evening of the 11th at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok at the age of 47. (Editor: Wei Shu) 1150612
The Nation newspaper reported on the 12th that Princess Bajrakitiyabha made outstanding contributions to Thailand in areas including public welfare, legal affairs, judicial reform, and support for vulnerable groups.
Born on December 7, 1978, Princess Bajrakitiyabha was the eldest child and only daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and his first wife, Princess Somsawali. King Vajiralongkorn has been married four times; he married Somsawali in 1977 and divorced in 1991.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha was also the first grandchild of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Mother Sirikit. Due to her unique background and long-term involvement in public affairs, she enjoyed high recognition and prestige in Thai society.
Deeply involved in the legal field, Princess Bajrakitiyabha earned a Bachelor of Laws from Thammasat University and a degree in Political Science from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University. She then went to the United States to obtain a Master of Laws and a Doctor of Juridical Science from Cornell University.
After completing her education, she entered the Thai judicial system, working in the Office of the Attorney General as an assistant prosecutor. She was later promoted to positions such as Provincial Chief Prosecutor, earning the reputation of the 'Law Princess.'
Beyond her legal expertise, she was best known for championing the rights of female inmates. She founded the 'Inspire Project' to improve living conditions for women prisoners, pregnant inmates, and children living with their mothers in prison, providing vocational training, medical services, and psychological counseling.
According to Thai PBS, the 'Inspire Project' she promoted resonated internationally, ultimately leading to the United Nations' adoption of the 'Bangkok Rules.' These rules establish international standards for the treatment of women prisoners, officially named the 'United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders.'
In international affairs, Princess Bajrakitiyabha served as Thailand's representative to the United Nations Office at Vienna and also served as Thailand's ambassador to Austria, Slovakia, and Slovenia.
Furthermore, she was long involved in charitable work, serving as Chairperson of the Thai Red Cross Society Volunteer Foundation, assisting in natural disaster relief and support for the underprivileged. She also established a scholarship program to fund Thai legal professionals for overseas study.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha was considered to have a close relationship with her father. Before her hospitalization, she was appointed to a high-ranking position in the King's command structure and frequently represented the royal family at important domestic and international events.
In December 2022, she lost consciousness due to a heart condition while training her dog and was subsequently hospitalized. Her health condition was a matter of great public concern in Thailand.
The Thai royal palace announced on the 12th that Princess Bajrakitiyabha passed away on the evening of the 11th at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok at the age of 47. (Editor: Wei Shu) 1150612
FAQ
Who was Princess Bajrakitiyabha?
Eldest daughter of the King of Thailand, a prosecutor and diplomat. She founded the 'Inspire Project' for female inmates, leading to the UN 'Bangkok Rules'.
What was the cause of Princess Bajrakitiyabha's death?
She lost consciousness due to a heart condition while training her dog in December 2022 and passed away on June 12, 2023, at age 47.
What are the 'Bangkok Rules'?
UN international standards for the treatment of women prisoners, adopted based on the 'Inspire Project' promoted by Princess Bajrakitiyabha.