BANGKOK — The health condition of Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol has deteriorated after more than three years in hospital, Thailand’s royal household said Thursday.
The Bureau of the Royal Household said the 47-year-old princess developed an abdominal infection caused by inflammation of the large intestine and is experiencing unstable vital signs, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and abnormal blood coagulation.
The palace said the infection has become uncontrollable and has affected other organs. The princess continues to rely on medical equipment and medication to support her lung and kidney functions.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha, also known in Thailand as Princess Bha, was hospitalized in December 2022 after collapsing during a military dog training session. The palace previously said she suffered a severe blood infection.
Educated in Britain, the United States and Thailand, Bajrakitiyabha held positions with the United Nations and advocated for improved treatment of women in prisons.
She is the eldest daughter and only child from the first marriage of King Maha Vajiralongkorn. The king appointed her to a senior role in his bodyguard command a year before her hospitalization.
Thailand’s succession rules favor male heirs, and the 73-year-old monarch has not publicly named a successor.
