‘Stabilised’: Thai princess recovering from blood infection, says Palace; hospitalised since 2022
Thailand’s Royal Palace on Sunday announced that Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, the eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, is showing signs of recovery after battling a serious blood infection earlier this month.The 46-year-old princess has been unconscious and under medical care since December 2022, when she collapsed during a military dog training session. Earlier in August, she developed a severe bloodstream infection and required intensive treatment to stabilise her condition.According to a statement from the Bureau of the Royal Household, her blood pressure has now stabilised and the infection is improving. “The medical team has reported that Her Royal Highness’s infection is getting better and Her Royal Highness’s blood pressure has stabilised,” the palace said, AFP reported.“The medical team are continuing to give antibiotics to control the infection and are using machines to help the function of her lungs and kidneys,” it added.Popularly known as “Princess Bha,” Bajrakitiyabha is the only child from King Vajiralongkorn’s first marriage. Educated in Thailand, the United States, and the United Kingdom, she has held several positions with the United Nations and is recognised for her advocacy for women’s rights, particularly for improving conditions for women in prisons.Seen as close to her father, she was appointed to a senior role in his bodyguard command in 2021, just a year before her hospitalisation. The Thai king, 73, has seven children from four marriages but has yet to formally announce his heir.
