Bajrakitiyabha facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bajrakitiyabha |
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| Princess Rajasarini Siribajra | |
Bajrakitiyabha in 2013
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| Ambassador of Thailand to Austria, Slovakia, and Slovenia | |
| In office 4 September 2012 – 1 October 2014 |
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| Nominated by | Yingluck Shinawatra |
| Prime Minister |
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| Preceded by | Somsak Suriyawong |
| Succeeded by | Attayut Srisamut |
| Born | 7 December 1978 Bangkok, Thailand |
| Died | 11 June 2026 (aged 47) Bangkok, Thailand |
| House | Mahidol |
| Dynasty | Chakri |
| Father | Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) |
| Mother | Soamsawali Kitiyakara |
| Religion | Theravada Buddhism |
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| Signature | |
| Education | Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (B.A.) Thammasat University (LL.B.) Cornell University (LL.M.) (J.S.D.) |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | Kingdom of Thailand |
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Branch
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Service years
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2021–2022 |
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Rank
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General |
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Princess Bajrakitiyabha Rajasarini Siribajra (born December 7, 1978 – died June 11, 2026) was a beloved member of Thailand's Chakri dynasty. She was also known as Princess Bha. She was the eldest child of King Vajiralongkorn and his first wife, Princess Soamsawali. Princess Bajrakitiyabha was born when her grandfather, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, was still king. She was his oldest grandchild.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha was a skilled lawyer. She was well-known for her important work helping women in the justice system and their children in Thailand. Her goal was to make sure they received good support when they returned to society. She played a key role in creating the "Bangkok Rules" for the United Nations. These rules were the first international guidelines for how women in prison should be treated. Her efforts made her very popular with the Thai people. She also served as Thailand's ambassador to Austria, Slovakia, and Slovenia.
In December 2022, Princess Bajrakitiyabha became very ill. She faced a serious illness and remained unconscious for a long time. Sadly, she passed away on June 11, 2026, after many health challenges. Her passing was a great loss for Thailand.
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Her Early Life and School Days
Princess Bajrakitiyabha was born on December 7, 1978, in Bangkok, Thailand. Her birthplace was the Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall at Dusit Palace. She was the first child and daughter of Vajiralongkorn and Princess Soamsawali. Her father gave her the special title of Kromma Luang, which is a high royal rank. She was known as Princess Rajasarini Siribajra.
She attended the all-girls Rajini School for elementary and junior high. Later, she moved to England to study at Heathfield School, Ascot. She finished her high school education back in Thailand at the Chitralada School. Princess Bajrakitiyabha then earned two bachelor's degrees in 2000. One was in international relations from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University. The other was in law from Thammasat University. She continued her studies in the United States. She earned a master's degree in law in 2002 and an advanced law degree in 2005 from Cornell University.
A Career of Service
In 1995, Princess Bajrakitiyabha started the Puen Pheng (Bha) Yamyark Foundation. This foundation helped people during natural disasters. She led this foundation until her passing in 2026.
After finishing her law studies, she worked at the Thai office for the United Nations in New York. She then returned to Thailand. In 2006, she became an attorney in the Office of the Attorney General in Bangkok. Later, she worked in the Office of the Attorney General in Udon Thani Province.
From 2012 to 2014, she served as Thailand's ambassador to Austria, Slovenia, and Slovakia. After this, she returned to work at the Office of the Attorney General. In 2017, the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice named her a goodwill ambassador. Her role was to promote the rule of law in Southeast Asia. In 2021, she joined the Royal Security Command as a general.
Helping Women in the Justice System
Princess Bajrakitiyabha was very important in helping the Thai government. She encouraged them to propose new ideas to the United Nations. These ideas focused on how women in prison needed special care. This was because the prison system was mostly designed for men. Her hard work led to the United Nations adopting the "Bangkok Rules." These rules are the first worldwide guidelines for treating women in the justice system fairly.
She also led the "Kamlangjai" (or "Inspire") project. This project helped women in Thai prisons, including pregnant inmates and their babies. It aimed to give them the support they needed to return to society after their release. She also worked on the "Enhancing lives of Female Inmates" (ELFI) project. This project suggested new rules for treating women prisoners. Because of her Kamlangjai project, Princess Bajrakitiyabha became a respected legal advocate. She was very popular among the Thai people. Many saw her as a royal who truly connected with the public.
Her Final Years and Passing
In December 2022, the Bureau of the Royal Household announced that Princess Bajrakitiyabha had been hospitalized. She became very ill while walking her dogs in Nakhon Ratchasima on December 14. She was first taken to Pak Chong Nana Hospital. Then, she was moved to the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok.
Her condition was very serious. She remained unconscious and never fully recovered. In August 2025, the Royal Family announced she had a severe infection. Doctors worked to keep her stable. She needed machines to help her lungs and kidneys. In October 2025, her grandmother, Queen Sirikit, passed away in the same hospital.
In May 2026, Princess Bajrakitiyabha developed a stomach infection. Her health worsened with other complications. Princess Bajrakitiyabha passed away on June 11, 2026, at the age of 47. The Bureau of the Royal Household announced her death the next day.
Aftermath and Funeral
Thailand's Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, praised Princess Bajrakitiyabha. He called her "a pride of Thailand." He said her work would be a lasting example for everyone. News outlets described her passing as a great tragedy for the royal family.
The government announced a period of national mourning for fifteen days. Many people gathered outside King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital to show their sadness. News websites changed to black and white. People wore black ribbons. Her funeral procession took place on June 13. Her remains were moved from the hospital to the Grand Palace. King Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida led the Buddhist funeral ceremonies. The public also took part in traditional water-pouring rituals for her.
Her Role in Thailand's Future
Before her serious illness in 2022, Princess Bajrakitiyabha was seen as a possible future leader for Thailand. She was considered a strong candidate to succeed King Vajiralongkorn. Her illness and passing made the future line of succession less clear. The BBC noted her important role in this question. While Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti is the youngest of the King's children and is next in line, Princess Bajrakitiyabha's dedication to public service made many believe she would have a very important role in the country's future leadership. She was also thought to be a potential leader to help guide the country.
A Legacy of Kindness and Leadership
Princess Bajrakitiyabha is remembered for her legal and charity work in Thailand. Her efforts to improve the justice system through her Kamlangjai project helped many women in prison. Her work also led to the United Nations General Assembly adopting the "Bangkok Rules." These rules help ensure better care and conditions for female prisoners around the world.
Philippine President Bongbong Marcos said that Princess Bajrakitiyabha's social reforms created a "lasting legacy." He said this legacy would be remembered by Thailand and admired by the world. CNN reported that her efforts "improved the lives of female prisoners" in Thailand. Her work was a main reason why the Thai government asked the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice to consider how vulnerable women are in a prison system mostly built for men.
Many people saw Princess Bajrakitiyabha as a crucial figure. She was popular with the public and was seen as someone who could connect the royal family with the people.
Awards and Royal Symbols
Styles of
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| Reference style | Her Royal Highness |
| Spoken style | Your Royal Highness |
On May 12, 2012, she received an honorary law degree from the Chicago-Kent College of Law.
National Honours
- Dame of the Ancient and Auspicious Order of the Nine Gems (2019)
- Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Chula Chom Klao, First Class (1991)
- Dame Grand Cordon of the Order of the White Elephant (2005)
- Dame Grand Cordon of the Order of the Crown of Thailand (1996)
- Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the Direkgunabhorn (1995)
- Order of Symbolic Propitiousness Ramkeerati
- King Rama IX Royal Cypher Medal, First Class (1984)
- Chakra Mala Medal – Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct (Military and Police) (2025)
International Recognition
Austria: Grand Decoration of Honour in Gold with Sash for Services to the Republic of Austria (October 7, 2014)
Royal Symbols
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Royal monogram of Princess Bajrakitiyabha
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Royal flag of Princess Bajrakitiyabha
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Images for kids
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Princess Bajrakitiyabha at the Headquarters of the United Nations in 2010
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Bajrakitiyabha in Austria in 2013
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Announcement of the Bureau of the Royal Household concerning the death of Bajrakitiyabha
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Bajrakitiyabha's funeral hearse being driven from King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital to the Grand Palace.
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See also
In Spanish: Bajrakitiyabha para niños
