The royal palace said Thursday that the health of Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol has deteriorated due to multiple organ infections [1].
As the eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, the princess occupies a significant position within the Thai monarchy. Her prolonged illness and current decline create a period of uncertainty regarding the royal family's public presence and future succession dynamics.
The palace said the princess remains in a coma while battling an irregular heart rate [1, 2]. She is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital in the Bangkok area [1, 2].
This medical crisis began in December 2022 [3] when the princess suffered a fall during a military dog-training session [3]. The resulting complications led to her hospitalization, where she has remained for more than three years [1].
Medical teams have been monitoring her condition since the initial incident. The latest update on May 21, 2026 [3], indicates that the infections have worsened her overall stability, a development that follows years of guarded updates from the royal household.
Throughout her hospitalization, the palace has provided limited details on her specific diagnosis. However, the confirmation of organ infections and cardiac irregularities marks a shift toward more explicit descriptions of her critical state [1, 2].
“Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol has been in a coma since December 2022.”
The deterioration of Princess Bajrakitiyabha's health underscores the precarious nature of her long-term recovery. Given her status as the King's eldest daughter, her health is not only a private family matter but a point of national interest in Thailand, where the monarchy is central to the state's identity and stability.
