Thailand flags. Photo: Shutterstock Thailand entered a period of national mourning after the royal family announced today (Friday, June 12) the passing of Princess Bajrakitiyabha, the eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X). The princess, who had been hospitalized at King Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok since December 2022 after losing consciousness following a heart attack, passed away at the age of 47.
During her years in hospital, the princess suffered from various medical complications. A statement issued by the royal family on May 21, 2026, stated that her condition had worsened significantly after an infection in the abdominal cavity caused by a colon infection was discovered in April. According to the medical report, the infection led to low blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbances and damage to blood clotting mechanisms. Despite intensive treatment and support for vital systems, her condition continued to deteriorate.
In the death announcement published today, the royal house noted that the medical team provided the princess with the best care throughout the period, but her condition continued to worsen and she passed away peacefully on the evening of June 11.
Princess Bajrikitiyava, known in Thailand as "Princess Fa," was one of the most prominent figures in the royal family. She was a lawyer by training, with a doctorate from Cornell University in the US, served as a public prosecutor and as Thailand's ambassador to Austria, and over the years led a series of social projects in the areas of women's rights, prisoner rehabilitation, and assistance to victims of natural disasters.
Following the princess's passing, the Thai government declared a 15-day period of national mourning. During a special cabinet meeting held today, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul led a minute of silence in her memory, after which a series of state measures were approved. In an address to the nation, he paid tribute to the princess, praised her public work and called on the country's citizens to commemorate her legacy.
Among other things, it was decided to lower Thai flags to half-mast in all government ministries and state institutions for 15 days, along with an official period of mourning in the public sector.
For tourists visiting the country, this means that mourning and remembrance ceremonies are expected across Thailand in the coming days, along with an increased security presence in central areas of Bangkok. In addition, authorities have announced the closure of major tourist sites during the mourning events and royal ceremonies, especially in the area of the Grand Palace and its surrounding sites. At the same time, the government is preparing for mourning ceremonies and state events that will last up to 100 days, so there may be traffic disruptions, congestion and special security arrangements in central areas of the capital.
Outside Bangkok, the impact is expected to be more moderate, and will be reflected mainly in flags being lowered to half-mast in public institutions, local memorial events, and a national atmosphere of mourning. However, the main tourist sites in resort cities and islands are expected to continue operating as usual, with the exception of specific changes that will be decided by local authorities.
The royal family announced that the public will be able to participate in the mourning ceremonies at the Royal Palace starting June 13, and later also sign a book of condolences that will be placed there.
The princess's passing is considered one of the most significant events for the Thai royal family in recent years, and is expected to be at the center of the country's public agenda in the near future.