Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, affectionately known as Princess Bha, holds a special place in the hearts of the Thai people.
As the first grandchild of the revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit, and the eldest daughter of King Vajiralongkorn, her life has been a story of dedication and service.
The older generation still remembers the delight of her birth in 1978, celebrating her arrival as the beginning of a new chapter for the Chakri dynasty.
Younger generations came to know her through her tireless work, from leading disaster relief efforts to fulfilling official royal duties.
Her work with the Friends in Need (of Pa) Foundation is always among the first units to help and rescue people in need.
She earned respect and admiration by embodying a modern royal who was both an accomplished academic and a committed public servant.
A scholar with purpose
Born in Amphorn Sathan Hall in Bangkok’s Dusit Palace, Princess Bajrakitiyabha grew up in the spotlight but chose a path defined by study and service.
Her early education began in Bangkok, followed by a period in England before she completed her schooling at Chitralada School.
From an early age, she demonstrated a remarkable drive, known for setting high goals and working relentlessly to achieve them.
Her academic journey clearly reflects this spirit. She graduated with honors, earning a law degree from Thammasat University and a bachelor's degree in political science from Sukhothai Thammathirat University.
She then pursued advanced degrees at Cornell University, where she earned a Master of Laws and a doctorate in law. These impressive achievements earned her the title the press loved to use: the “Legal Princess.”
A princess in service
A core focus of Princess Bha's work has been the improvement of the lives of incarcerated women. She recognized that the penal system, built for men, often failed to meet the specific needs of female prisoners.
This insight led her to champion a cause that gained international attention.
Her advocacy played a critical role in the United Nations' adoption of the “Bangkok Rules,” a set of global guidelines for the treatment of women in the justice system.
The rules focus on gender-specific needs and offer alternatives to imprisonment. Princess Bha also founded the “Kamlangjai” (Inspire) project, which continues to provide support to female inmates and their children, helping them successfully reintegrate into society after their release.
A modern voice, a human touch
Beyond her official duties, Princess Bha's openness endeared her to the public. In 2021, she surprised the nation by cutting her long braids into a sharp, short hairstyle.
Writing candidly on her personal Facebook page, she explained how the pandemic closures, her naturally curly hair, and the demands of military training led her to embrace the change.
Her words were playful and even self-deprecating as she joked about “running out of energy to modify nature” as she turned 43. This honesty struck a chord with many Thais, who saw in her not just a princess, but a woman balancing identity, duty, and self-expression.
Her Lunar New Year appearance that year—in a red qipao with her new military haircut—became one of the most talked-about moments of the season.
Strength and resilience
Princess Bha's ability to navigate different roles—from a highly educated lawyer and diplomat to a dedicated military officer—earned her deep respect from the Thai people.
Tragically, in December 2022, she collapsed from a severe heart condition while training her dogs. The news shocked the nation, as it was unthinkable that the vibrant princess, who embodied energy and resolve, could be silenced so suddenly.
Yet her legacy continues to resonate. She is remembered as a trailblazer among Thai royals—a woman who used her education to serve, who championed women's rights, who accepted military duty with discipline, and who shared her personal journey with refreshing honesty.
For Thais across generations, she will always be Princess Bha—a princess of intellect, resilience, and heart.
