Princess Bha: Late Thai royal remembered for championing women's rights, justice

Princess Bajrakitiyabha, affectionately known as Princess Bha, was widely regarded as one of the most accomplished and hardworking members of the Thai royal family.

The eldest child of King Vajiralongkorn and his first wife, Princess Soamsawali, she distinguished herself not only through her royal lineage but also through her intellect, dedication and public service.

According to the BBC, Princess Bha was highly educated, earning advanced law degrees from Cornell University. Her academic achievements laid the foundation for a hands-on professional career that extended far beyond ceremonial royal duties.

Throughout her life, she used her legal expertise to advocate for social justice and institutional reform.

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She worked as a prosecutor in Thailand and later represented her country as a diplomat, serving as Thailand's ambassador to Austria from 2012 to 2014.

She also worked closely with the United Nations on various initiatives.

Princess Bha was a passionate advocate for vulnerable groups, focusing particularly on prison reform and human rights.

She spearheaded efforts to improve conditions for incarcerated women, combat violence against women and promote a more equitable criminal justice system, including measures aimed at reducing harsh penalties for minor offences.

Beyond her legal and humanitarian work, she maintained a strong commitment to public service and personal fitness.

An avid athlete, she regularly participated in long-distance running and cycling events. She was also known for her love of animals and often trained her own dogs.

In 2021, her father appointed her a general and chief of staff within his private security command.

Her rare combination of intelligence, approachability and dedication to public service led many to view her as a stabilising figure within the monarchy and a potential future leader.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha died on June 11 at the age of 47.

According to the Thai Royal Household, she had been in a coma for more than three years after collapsing while training her dogs in December 2022.

Medical experts attributed the incident to a severe cardiac arrhythmia triggered by a mycoplasma infection affecting the heart.