Cornell Law School has mourned the passing of HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha, describing her as a distinguished alumna who built an outstanding legal career as a prosecutor, diplomat and advocate for justice and human rights.
The law school paid tribute to the princess in a statement published on June 15 following her death at the age of 47 after a prolonged illness.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha, the eldest child of HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn, earned international recognition for her work as a prosecutor, diplomat and advocate for women's rights.
According to Cornell Law School, the princess became deeply concerned about the challenges facing incarcerated women, particularly mothers and pregnant women, during her time as a prosecutor in Thailand.
She launched initiatives to improve educational and vocational opportunities for women in prison and played a leading role in international efforts that culminated in the adoption of the UN Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders, known as the Bangkok Rules.
The school said her work helped improve conditions for women in justice systems around the world and earned international recognition.
"Following her graduation from Cornell Law School, Princess Bajrakitiyabha had an outstanding legal career, distinguishing herself as a prosecutor, diplomat, and advocate for justice and human rights," said Stewart J. Schwab, dean emeritus and Jonathan and Ruby Zhu Professor of Law.
"I also remember her kindness and generosity as we forged deeper connections between Thailand and Cornell Law School. Her untimely death is a great loss to Thailand and to the world."
After obtaining a law degree in Thailand, Princess Bajrakitiyabha pursued advanced legal studies at Cornell Law School, earning a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree in 2002 and a Doctor of the Science of Law (J.S.D.) degree in 2005.
The school said her achievements left a lasting impact on Cornell.
In 2007, Cornell Law School and the Thai Bar Association established the Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol Scholarship and Exchange Program, which enables outstanding Thai lawyers to pursue advanced legal studies at Cornell and supports scholarly exchanges between Cornell faculty and leading Thai universities.
Established in her honour, the program continues to strengthen ties between Cornell Law School and Thailand's legal community.
Professor John Barceló, who chaired the princess's J.S.D. committee, described her as both "the inspiration and the model" for the initiative.
Cornell noted that the relationship continued to flourish over the years.
In 2012, Princess Bajrakitiyabha returned to Ithaca when Cornell Law School and the Thai Bar Association renewed the memorandum of understanding underpinning their collaboration.
The visit brought together representatives from the Thai Bar Association, Thailand's Ministry of Justice and Cornell Law School to celebrate a partnership that had grown from the princess's own educational journey at Cornell.
"Princess Bajrakitiyabha demonstrated the transformative power of legal education in service to others," said Jens David Ohlin, Allan R. Tessler Dean and Professor of Law.
"As a prosecutor, diplomat, and international advocate, she devoted her life to advancing justice, human dignity, and the rule of law. Her legacy lives on not only through her extraordinary public service, but also through the scholarship and exchange program that bears her name and continues to create opportunities for future generations of legal leaders. Cornell Law School is proud to count her among our most distinguished alumni."
The law school extended its deepest condolences to the Thai royal family, the people of Thailand and all those whose lives were touched by Princess Bajrakitiyabha's leadership, service and example.
