Singapore extends condolences to Thailand over death of Princess Bajrakitiyabha

SINGAPORE, June 13 — The Singapore Government has extended its condolences to the Kingdom of Thailand following the death of Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, the eldest child of King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam conveyed his deepest condolences via a letter to the king. 

Additionally, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong as well as Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan also extended their condolences to their respective counterparts.

In his letter, Shanmugaratnam described Princess Bajrakitiyabha as renowned for her strong sense of justice. 

“Her steadfast support for the Thai Red Cross Society and the Children Foundation at the Phramongkutklao Hospital provided a lifeline to those in need. 

“Her Royal Highness’ tireless advocacy to advance women’s rights, in particular on the treatment of women within the criminal justice system, was internationally recognised,” he said in a statement released by MFA on Saturday. 

On Friday, the Bureau of the Royal Household announced that Princess Bajrakitiyabha died peacefully at Chulalongkorn Hospital at 7.48 pm on Thursday while undergoing treatment. She was 47.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha had been receiving treatment at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital since December 2022 after collapsing from a heart-related condition while training her pet dog in Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima province. — Bernama