Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha’s health declines amid ongoing medical battle
Doctors struggle to stabilise the heart rate of the 47-year-old, who has been in a coma since 2022.
www.scmp.comHere are the latest widely reported updates on Princess Bajrakitiyabha as of May 2026.
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Recent health update: Reports from multiple sources indicate her condition has worsened in recent weeks due to severe infections affecting several organs, with ongoing concerns about heart rhythm, lungs, kidneys, and abdominal complications. Treatments remain intensive and life-support measures have been used in an effort to stabilize her condition. These updates have been circulated by various outlets citing statements from the Royal Household Bureau and hospital officials. [citations available in sources below]
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Official status: The Royal Household Bureau has continued to issue regular statements on her condition since her collapse in December 2022, noting episodes of infection-related complications and renewed concerns about stability of her heart rate and systemic health. These statements are issued through the Bureau and hospital channels and are the primary source for official updates. [citations available in sources below]
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Context: Princess Bajrakitiyabha, the elder daughter of King Vajiralongkorn, has been in a coma or unconscious state since late 2022 following a heart-related incident. Public attention remains high in Thailand and among international observers due to her long-term condition and her public service background. [citations available in sources below]
Sources with current reporting:
- YouTube/DRM News update referencing a May 21, 2026 palace statement about worsened health and organ involvement. This piece highlights ongoing concern and continued life-support measures.[1]
- The Thaiger coverage noting the Royal Household Bureau’s statements through May 21, 2026, describing worsening condition after abdominal inflammation and multi-organ infection.[2]
- The Thaiger retrospective update from 2023 confirming prolonged unconsciousness after a year of treatment, illustrating the long arc of her condition.[3]
- NDTV and regional outlets reporting on the ongoing hospital treatment and infection-related complications as of 2025–2026.[4][5]
- Summary context from regional outlets including SCMP and Gulf News documenting the health decline and hospital care.[8][10]
If you’d like, I can:
- Compile a concise, dated timeline of each official update.
- Pull direct quotes from the latest official statements.
- Create a brief, high-level explainer of Princess Bajrakitiyabha’s public roles and why her health news garners national attention.
Please tell me which format you prefer (timeline, quotes, or a short explainer), and I’ll gather and present it with precise citations.