Thai Princess Bha Passes Away at 47, Leaving Succession Uncertain

Princess Bha of Thailand, regarded as a potential heir to the Thai throne, passed away at the age of 47. She died in a Bangkok hospital after being in a coma for three and a half years, as announced by the royal palace. Her full name was Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati.

The princess had been on life support since December 2022, when she collapsed in a park in northern Thailand while running with her dogs. In May, the palace stated she suffered from an abdominal infection leading to low blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat.

Her passing intensifies the questions surrounding the succession of the Thai monarchy. King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who is 73, has not named an official heir. Some analysts considered Princess Bha a potential candidate to become Thailand’s first ruling queen due to her lineage. She was the only child born to the king and his first wife, Princess Soamsawali, who is also his cousin.

The king’s life has involved various scandals. He has been married four times and has a total of seven children. He disowned four sons from his second marriage with Sujarinee Vivacharawongse, an actress, before their marriage took place.

Succession rules in Thailand are not automatic. The king can appoint his own heir. However, if there is no appointed successor, the Thai constitution permits the privy council to select a princess for the throne.

Princess Bha’s death leaves the future of the Thai throne uncertain, stirring further speculation about who will be the next monarch.