Thailand entered a period of national mourning on Thursday following the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati at the age of 47.
The Royal Household Bureau announced that the princess passed away peacefully at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok at 7.48pm on Thursday, after more than three years of medical treatment. She had been receiving care since Dec 15, 2022, after falling into a coma due to a heart-related condition. The princess had collapsed while exercising her pet dogs in Nakhon Ratchasima's Pak Chong district a day earlier.
According to the bureau, her condition deteriorated on May 21 following an abdominal infection caused by inflammation of the large intestine, leading to low blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms and blood-clotting abnormalities. Despite continuous treatment and close monitoring by medical teams, her health progressively worsened.
His Majesty the King has ordered that funeral arrangements be conducted with the highest royal honours in accordance with royal tradition.
Her royal remains will be placed in the Phiman Rattaya Throne Hall at the Grand Palace. The public may participate in royal bathing rites before a portrait of the princess at the Sahathai Samakhom Pavilion on Saturday from 8.30am to noon.
From Sunday, members of the public may pay their respects and sign a book of condolence daily. They will also be allowed to pay their respects to the royal remains at the Phiman Rattaya Throne Hall from June 27, following the initial 15-day period 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, who chaired a special cabinet meeting convened after the announcement, said ministers observed a moment of silence before discussing preparations for the royal ceremonies. Relevant ministries and agencies were instructed to provide full support and facilitate members of the public attending the events.
Mr Anutin said previously scheduled international engagements would proceed as planned, although officials travelling abroad have been advised to focus strictly on essential duties and keep 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 as of Friday.
Civil servants, state enterprise employees and public officials were also instructed to observe a 15-day mourning period, while members of the public were encouraged to do so as appropriate.
Bangkok city clerk Narong Ruangsri said the procession conveying the royal remains from King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital to Phiman Rattaya Throne Hall will begin at 3.30pm today.
Meanwhile, mourners gathered at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital on Friday to honour the princess's memory.
Phoungrat Klaynongsung, a 61-year-old retiree from Pathum Thani, said she travelled to the hospital immediately after learning of the Royal Household Bureau's announcement. She described the princess's passing as a profound loss for Thailand and expressed support for His Majesty the King and the royal family.
Ms Phoungrat recalled seeing the princess assisting flood victims and praised her commitment to helping people in times of hardship.
