Princess Bha, regarded as a possible heir to the Thai throne, passed away on Thursday in a Bangkok hospital at age 47. She had been in a coma for three and a half years. Her demise leaves an uncertain future for the Thai monarchy’s succession.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, known as Princess Bha, had been under life support since collapsing in a park in northern Thailand in December 2022. She suffered from an infection that caused low blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat, as announced by the royal palace in May.
Her passing intensifies questions about who will succeed King Maha Vajiralongkorn, 73, who has not publicly named an heir. Analysts viewed Princess Bha as a potential contender for the throne due to her lineage. She was the king’s only child with his first wife, Princess Soamsawali, who is also his cousin.
The king’s personal life has been tumultuous, marked by four marriages and seven children. Notably, he disowned four sons he had with his second wife, actress Sujarinee Vivacharawongse. Thai succession laws allow the king to choose his heir, and the country’s privy council can also appoint a princess to the throne if no successor is designated.
Princess Bha’s death adds uncertainty to the royal succession, leaving many to speculate about the future direction of the monarchy in Thailand.