Mourners gathered at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok on Friday to pay tribute to Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati, as Thailand entered a period of national mourning following her passing at the age of 47.
Among those who arrived at the hospital was Phoungrat Klaynongsung, a 61-year-old retiree from Pathum Thani, who said she travelled there shortly after learning of the Royal Household Bureau’s announcement.
She described the princess’s death as a profound loss for the country and expressed her support for His Majesty the King and the royal family.
Ms Phoungrat said she remembered seeing the princess helping flood victims and praised her dedication to supporting people during times of hardship.
The Royal Household Bureau announced that the princess passed away peacefully at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital at 7:48pm on Thursday, after more than three years of medical treatment.
HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha had been receiving medical care since December 15, 2022, after falling into a coma due to a heart-related condition. She had collapsed a day earlier while exercising her pet dogs in Pak Chong district of Nakhon Ratchasima province.
According to the bureau, her condition worsened on May 21 after she developed an abdominal infection caused by inflammation of the large intestine. The infection led to low blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms and blood-clotting abnormalities.
Despite continuous treatment and close monitoring by medical teams, her health continued to decline.
His Majesty the King has ordered that the funeral arrangements be carried out with the highest royal honours in accordance with royal tradition.
Her royal remains will be placed at the Phiman Rattaya Throne Hall inside the Grand Palace. Members of the public may take part in royal bathing rites before a portrait of the princess at the Sahathai Samakhom Pavilion on Saturday from 8.30am to noon.
From Sunday, the public will be able to pay their respects and sign a book of condolence daily. They will also be allowed to pay respects to the royal remains at the Phiman Rattaya Throne Hall from June 27, after the first 15 days of royal merit-making ceremonies.
His Majesty has also granted permission for members of the royal family, the Privy Council, the cabinet, government agencies, private organisations and the public to host funeral chanting ceremonies after the first 100 days of royal rites.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul chaired a special cabinet meeting following the announcement. He said ministers observed a moment of silence before discussing preparations for the royal ceremonies.
Relevant ministries and agencies have been instructed to provide full support and help facilitate members of the public who wish to attend the events.
Mr Anutin said previously scheduled international engagements would continue as planned, although officials travelling overseas have been advised to focus only on essential duties and keep their visits as brief as possible.
He added that people should continue their daily lives as normal during the mourning period while observing appropriate conduct and paying their respects.
Government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said all government offices, state enterprises, public agencies and educational institutions would fly flags at half-mast for 15 days from Friday.
Civil servants, state enterprise employees and public officials have also been instructed to observe a 15-day mourning period, while members of the public are encouraged to do so as appropriate.
Bangkok city clerk Narong Ruangsri said the procession carrying the royal remains from King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital to Phiman Rattaya Throne Hall will begin at 3.30 pm today.
