100 Mourners Ordained in Tribute to Thailand’s Princess Bajrakitiyabha

Thailand’s government on Sunday sponsored the ordination of 100 mourners in tribute to the late Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati, as the country continues nationwide mourning following the royal’s death at the age of 47. (Bangkok Post)

According to the Bangkok Post, the ordination ceremony was organized as part of Buddhist merit-making rites honoring the princess, who died on Thursday after spending nearly four years in a coma caused by severe heart complications. (Bangkok Post)

National Mourning Continues Across Thailand

The ceremony took place amid an official 15-day mourning period declared by Thai authorities. Government officials, state employees, and public institutions across the country have been instructed to wear black or white mourning attire, while national flags remain at half-mast. (Government Public Relations Department)

Princess Bajrakitiyabha, widely known in Thailand as “Princess Bha,” was the eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and was regarded as one of the most prominent members of the Thai royal family. She collapsed in December 2022 while training dogs for a military competition and remained hospitalized afterward. (Reuters)

Reuters reported that her condition deteriorated over time due to complications including infections, arrhythmias, low blood pressure, and blood-clotting disorders before her death was announced by the Royal Palace. (Reuters)

Thousands Pay Tribute in Bangkok

Large crowds of mourners dressed in black gathered throughout Bangkok over the weekend to pay respects during the royal funeral procession from King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital to the Grand Palace. (The Guardian)

Witnesses described scenes of silence and emotional tributes as citizens lined the streets holding portraits of the princess while members of the royal family and senior government officials participated in traditional funeral rites. (The Guardian)

The Guardian reported that the princess was remembered for her humanitarian work, diplomatic career, and advocacy for female prisoners’ rights. She also served as Thailand’s ambassador to Austria and held senior legal and military roles during her career. (The Guardian)

Princess Remembered for Legal and Humanitarian Work

Princess Bajrakitiyabha earned international recognition for legal reform initiatives and her advocacy on behalf of women prisoners. Associated Press reported that she helped promote the United Nations “Bangkok Rules,” which established international standards for the treatment of female inmates. (AP News)

Educated in law at Thammasat University and Cornell University, the princess worked as a prosecutor and diplomat before assuming broader royal responsibilities. She was also appointed a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (AP News)

Her death has renewed public attention on Thailand’s royal succession, although official discussion of succession matters remains highly sensitive in the country. (Wikipedia)

Funeral Rites to Continue

Royal funeral ceremonies are expected to continue for several weeks, with merit-making events and public mourning activities scheduled across Thailand. Authorities have not yet announced a date for the cremation ceremony. (The Guardian)

The ordination of 100 mourners is considered a traditional Buddhist act of merit dedicated to the late princess and reflects the deep public reverence surrounding the royal family during periods of national mourning. (Bangkok Post)