Thai Princess in Critical Condition, Palace Announces

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – The health of Thailand’s Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol has deteriorated. The Royal Palace issued an official statement on Thursday (21 May 2026).

‘Princess Bha,’ as she is commonly known, has indeed been confined to hospital for more than three years. The 47-year-old woman is the king’s eldest daughter, Maha Vajiralongkorn.

The Royal Household Bureau said the princess is now suffering from an abdominal infection caused by inflammation of the large intestine. She is experiencing unstable vital signs, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and abnormal blood coagulation.

The palace added that Bajrakitiyabha remains dependent on medical equipment to support her lung and kidney functions, as well as medications. ‘Her condition continues to deteriorate,’ the palace said, adding that the infection has become ‘uncontrolled and affecting other organs’.

Bajrakitiyabha herself has been unconscious since December 2022 when she was training a military dog. Earlier, the Palace said she suffered a severe blood infection as well as a decline in lung and kidney function, which required support from medical devices and medications.

Bajrakitiyabha has held several positions at the United Nations. She has campaigned for better treatment of women in prison.

She is the only child from the king’s first marriage. She is considered close to her father and was elevated to a senior role in his personal guard a year before she was hospitalised.

The king has seven children from four marriages and has not yet announced his chosen heir. Nevertheless, the succession rules prioritise male heirs.