Thailand Bids Farewell to Princess Bajrakitiyabha as King and Queen Lead Funeral Rites

The Royal Motorcade Through Central Bangkok

His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Her Majesty the Queen led members of the Royal Family on Saturday in a royal motorcade that transferred the body of Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati from Chulalongkorn Hospital to Pimarn Rattaya Hall at the Grand Palace.

The procession moved through central Bangkok streets where large numbers of mourners gathered to pay respects, many bowing, crying, and holding portraits of the late Princess as the motorcade passed.

Public Mourning Along the Route

Mourners lined the roads in Bangkok on Saturday, expressing grief as the royal motorcade carried the Princess's body toward the Grand Palace for the start of funeral ceremonies.

The visible sorrow along the route reflected the deep connection Thai people feel with the Royal Family during times of loss, a tradition rooted in Buddhist practices of honoring the departed.

The Royal Bathing Rite at Pimarn Rattaya Hall

Upon arrival at Pimarn Rattaya Hall, the body was placed and prepared for the Royal Bathing Rite, with members of the Royal Family performing the traditional ceremonial pouring of water.

His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen later laid wreaths in front of the royal urn, followed by Buddhist chanting by monks that marked the beginning of the funeral rites at the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha's Life of Service

Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati, the eldest daughter of His Majesty the King and Princess Somsawali, was born in 1978 and served in diplomatic and legal roles throughout her life.

She was widely recognised for her work in public service and humanitarian causes, including support for disaster relief and initiatives for prisoners and vulnerable groups across Thailand.

The Illness and Final Days

On 14 December 2022, the Princess collapsed due to a serious heart condition while training dogs for an event and was admitted to Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok.

She remained under medical care at the hospital until her passing on 11 June 2026 at the age of 47, after three years of treatment that drew national attention to heart health awareness in Thailand.

Stories from Those Touched by Her Kindness

Nicki Kuhn, a German national, attended the procession on Saturday and praised the Princess's Kamlangjai Project that supports female inmates and children living with incarcerated mothers in Thai prisons.

Waraporn Sroisen, a woman with a physical disability from Buriram province, shared her story of receiving her degree from the Princess during a graduation ceremony at Buriram Rajabhat University in September 2022, when the Princess leaned down to present the certificate to her.

Her Enduring Legacy for Thailand

The Princess's efforts through the Kamlangjai Project continue to influence support programs for vulnerable groups in provinces such as Buriram and beyond, strengthening community ties in the Isaan region and other parts of the country.

Her work in humanitarian causes and public service remains a model for Thai citizens and Southeast Asian neighbors who value compassion rooted in Buddhist principles of kindness and merit.