Thailand's Crown Princess's Body Arrives at Palace, Thousands of Mourners Weep Along Procession Route [Photo Essay]

(CNA, Bangkok, 13th – comprehensive international report) Princess Bajrakitiyabha, the eldest daughter of Thailand's King, passed away on the 11th of this month at the age of 47 due to abdominal infection. Her body arrived today at the Grand Palace in Bangkok, with thousands of mourners dressed in black lining the procession route to bid her farewell.

Donnapha Kladbupha, a 54-year-old English teacher who identifies as a royalist, was among the mourners. She told AFP: 'It's really hard for us to say goodbye to her.'

Another mourner, 79-year-old Nitikan Tephakham from Roi Et province in northeastern Thailand, said: 'When she was ill, I prayed to the gods and Buddha for her protection and hoped for a miracle.'

Thousands of people, mostly elderly, braved the scorching heat to sit quietly along the approximately 10-kilometer route between Chulalongkorn Hospital and the Grand Palace.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati had been in a coma for over three years due to heart disease and had been receiving treatment at Chulalongkorn Hospital.

Her body arrived at the Grand Palace around 5 p.m. local time, with the procession conducted in a solemn and orderly manner.

Pongsanguan Paranan, 63, told AFP: 'I feel very sad because the princess was deeply loved by the Thai people and was renowned for her actions and contributions.'

After the convoy's arrival, the Grand Palace closed its doors to hold a Buddhist chanting ceremony.

Live broadcast footage from Thai PBS World showed the King and Queen seated on golden thrones, with the late princess's portrait displayed behind them, as monks chanted scriptures in front of them. (Translation: Hung Pei-Ying) 1150613

Stand with the facts. Every contribution you make is a force in defending press freedom.

Download the CNA 'First News' app to stay updated with the latest news.

Text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, broadcast, publicly transmitted, or used without authorization.