As the sun set over Bangkok’s Grand Palace, golden spires and gilded finials stood silent while anticipation filled the air for the return of a beloved royal figure.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha — widely known as Princess Bha — had been in hospital since December 2022 after collapsing during dog training. Following nearly four years in a persistent coma, the princess passed away earlier this week at the age of 47.
Saturday afternoon witnessed an extraordinary scene as her body departed the hospital in a majestic royal funeral procession. Flashing motorcycles and vehicles traveled through the city’s central streets, which were closed to traffic but lined for kilometers by citizens dressed in black and officials wearing white suits with black armbands.
The silver van carrying the princess moved slowly through the streets, with her father, the king, following in a cream-colored car. Officials stood at attention while the gathered crowd remained seated on sidewalks, silently bowing their heads in respect. Many attendees were overcome with grief.
From dawn, mourners had gathered along the streets with umbrellas and fans to combat the intense heat and humidity in the city center.
Wanida Lainun, wearing a brooch featuring the princess’s image, shared with The Guardian that her aunt participated in Princess Bajrakitiyabha’s humanitarian initiatives supporting underprivileged communities in Chiang Mai.
A trained lawyer, Princess Bajrakitiyabha served multiple official capacities, including as Thailand’s ambassador to Austria and head of the royal security command. However, her enduring legacy stems from her deep commitment to serving ordinary citizens, particularly through advocacy for female prisoners’ rights.
“The work she’s done in Thailand has touched my heart,” said Anchalee, who requested anonymity. She highlighted the princess’s immediate disaster relief efforts, noting, “Herself and her team go there right away to help them.”
Her compassion became evident during the devastating floods that struck Bangkok in 1995. According to local media, she and her mother personally prepared meals, packed medical supplies, and waded through affected areas to deliver aid directly to those stranded.
In October of that year, she established the Friends in Need (of ‘Pa’) project under the Thai Red Cross Society. This initiative installed weather monitoring stations in high-risk zones, serving as early warning systems. The foundation enabled pre-disaster evacuations, provided frontline assistance, and supported flood-affected families in overcoming poverty.
At 47, the princess died on Thursday evening. For many, like Anchalee — who was the same age and had met the princess during college — her passing was deeply personal. “She wouldn’t remember me, but I will always remember her,” Anchalee reflected.
Anchalee, who had waited since 10 a.m. to participate in the traditional Buddhist funeral bathing ceremony at the Grand Palace — personally invited by the king — expressed her shock at the princess’s prolonged illness. “We all hoped she could recover from the coma. We waited for years and prayed for her healing.”
The ceremony involved pouring holy water before a portrait of the princess, a sacred ritual symbolizing respect and farewell.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul led government officials in performing the bathing rite, all wearing the prescribed white suits and black armbands worn during royal mourning processions.
While official funeral arrangements remain unannounced, the government has mandated that officials wear black and national flags fly at half-mast for 15 days.
As evening approached, government workers distributed free meals to countless mourners who remained outside the palace, eager to witness the king’s departing procession.