Death of Thailand's King's Daughter After Battling Severe Infection Caused by a Session with Dogs

SadaNews - The royal palace in Thailand announced on Friday the death of Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, the eldest daughter of the king, at the age of 47, after more than three years of hospitalization due to a sudden health setback.

The Royal Palace Office stated in a statement that the princess was suffering from an intestinal infection and that "her health continued to deteriorate" until she "passed away peacefully" on Thursday evening.

It added that her body will lie in state for a final viewing at the Grand Palace in Bangkok, and that the funeral rites will be held "with the utmost dignity, in accordance with royal traditions."

The princess had been hospitalized since she experienced a sudden health issue during a training session with army dogs in December 2022.

The royal palace announced in August 2025 that the princess was suffering from a severe blood infection and she was relying on medical support systems to revive her lung and kidney functions.

The late princess was the only daughter of the current king, Maha Vajiralongkorn, from his first marriage to Princess Suvadhana.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol was very close to her father and had been appointed to a high-ranking position within the king's personal guard unit a year before she was hospitalized.

The 73-year-old king, who has seven children from four marriages, has not yet named an heir apparent, although the rules of succession prioritize male heirs.