The health condition of a Thai princess who has been hospitalised for over three years has deteriorated, the palace announced on Thursday. Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, the eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, fell ill during a military dog training session in December 2022 and has remained in care ever since.
She originally suffered from a severe blood infection, with her lung and kidney functions being supported by medical devices and medication, according to previous palace statements. On Thursday, the Bureau of the Royal Household reported that the princess had developed an abdominal infection resulting from inflammation of the large intestine.
The statement added that the royal was also experiencing unstable vital signs, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and abnormal blood coagulation. The palace confirmed that Bajrakitiyabha continues to rely on medical equipment to support her lung and kidney functions, alongside medication. Her condition has continued to deteriorate, with the infection becoming uncontrollable and affecting other organs.
Educated in Britain, the United States, and Thailand, Bajrakitiyabha held several positions with the United Nations and campaigned for improved treatment of women in prisons. Known in Thailand as Princess Bha, the 47-year-old is the only child from the king's first marriage. She is considered close to her father and was appointed to a senior role in his bodyguard command a year before her hospitalisation.
The 73-year-old monarch, who has seven children from four marriages, has not publicly named an heir, though succession rules traditionally favour males. Strict lese-majeste laws protect the Thai royal family from criticism, carrying prison sentences of up to 15 years per charge.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha collapsed and lost consciousness while running during a military dog training session in Khao Yai National Park, Nakhon Ratchasima province, in 2022. She was airlifted from a local hospital to King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok. Thai royal expert Andrew MacGregor Marshall described the prognosis as very grim at the time, suggesting the monarchy could face chaos as she was seen as a potential successor to the king.
In the last health update in August 2025, the first in two years, the palace stated that doctors were closely monitoring her condition. The medical team noted she remained in a state of low blood pressure requiring continuous treatment, with medication and equipment supporting kidney function and breathing.
