President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. extended his deep condolences to the Thai Royal Family and the people of Thailand on Saturday following the death of Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, the eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn. She was 47.
In a tribute posted on his official Facebook page, President Marcos Jr. highlighted the Princess’s significant contributions to society, emphasizing her dedicated advocacy for legal reform, human rights, and women’s empowerment.
“The Philippines stands in solidarity with the people of Thailand in mourning this profound loss and in honoring the remarkable legacy of Her Royal Highness,” Marcos wrote.
The President further recognized her global impact and lifelong commitment to public welfare.
“Her lifelong dedication to public service and her commitment to justice, human dignity and women’s rights leave an enduring legacy that will be remembered by the Thai nation and admired by the international community,” he added.
According to an official announcement from the Thai Royal Palace on Friday, the Princess—warmly known to the public as Princess Bha—passed away at a Bangkok hospital on Thursday night.
Her passing followed a nearly four-year medical battle after suffering a severe heart-related emergency in 2022 while training with a military canine unit.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha earned widespread international and domestic respect for her judicial and diplomatic achievements. Highly educated, she completed legal studies in Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, earning advanced degrees from Cornell University.
She built a distinguished career within Thailand’s justice system, specializing in prosecution and legal reform.
In 2017, her efforts were recognized globally when the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice named her a goodwill ambassador for the rule of law in Southeast Asia. In this role, she became a prominent champion for criminal justice reform and the rights of incarcerated women.