Bhutan's monarchs held a prayer ceremony yesterday and offered one thousand butter lamps at a temple in Bhutan in mourning for Thailand's late HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati.
HM King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck presided over the ceremony at the Grand Kuenrey of Tashichhodzong in Thimphu, during which prayers were offered for the late princess, who passed away on June 11.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha, the eldest daughter of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand, had been receiving medical treatment at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok since December 2022.
Widely admired for her dedication to public service, she championed justice, women's rights and child welfare. She also served in the Royal Thai Armed Forces.
In a statement of condolence sent earlier to HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Bhutan's monarchs expressed their deepest condolences to the Thai King, the Thai Royal Family and the people of Thailand.
Their Majesties King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema said they were deeply saddened by Princess Bajrakitiyabha's passing. They praised the princess's service in the Royal Thai Armed Forces and her work in advancing justice and supporting women and children.
"Her dedication to public service earned her widespread respect and admiration," the Bhutanese royal couple said.
The tribute reflected the close and longstanding friendship between Bhutan and Thailand, whose royal families have maintained warm ties over the years.
The prayers and ceremonial offering of one thousand butter lamps are among Bhutan's most revered Buddhist acts of remembrance and merit-making for the deceased.
