Key facts
- Princess Bajrakitiyabha died this week after being in a coma for nearly four years.
- A royal funeral procession carrying her body traveled through Bangkok on Saturday.
- Thousands of citizens lined the streets to pay their respects.
- The princess was known for her legal career and humanitarian projects.
- The Thai government has ordered flags to be flown at half-mast for 15 days.
Mourners lined the streets of Bangkok on Saturday for a royal funeral procession honoring Princess Bajrakitiyabha, who died earlier this week after nearly four years in a coma. The princess, 47, had collapsed in December 2022 while training her dogs and had been hospitalized since then.
The procession, featuring flashing motorcycles and cars, traveled through the city center. Streets were closed to traffic but lined for kilometers by citizens dressed in black and officials in white suits with black armbands, many visibly emotional and in tears.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha, known affectionately as Princess Bha, trained as a lawyer and held several official roles, including ambassador to Austria. She was remembered by those gathered for her humanitarian work, particularly her campaigns for the rights of female prisoners and her project to help underprivileged people and those affected by natural disasters.
Earlier in the day, many mourners participated in a funeral bathing ceremony at the Grand Palace, a Buddhist ritual involving pouring holy water before a portrait of the princess. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and members of the Thai cabinet led this rite. The government has instructed officials to wear black and fly flags at half-mast for 15 days.