Nation Mourns Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin led a cabinet ceremony for a royal bathing rite for Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati. The solemn occasion took place at 8 am, with Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his wife, Thananon Charnvirakul, who chairs the cabinet spouses’ committee, also in attendance.
The ceremony comes in the wake of an announcement by the Royal Household Bureau on Friday confirming the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha on Thursday night. The nation has been observing a period of national mourning since Thursday, following the princess’s death at the age of 47.
Key Dignitaries Present at the Rite
Several high-ranking officials joined the Prime Minister for the ceremony. Among those present were Deputy Prime Ministers Songsak Thongsri and Suphajee Suthumpun, who also serves as Commerce Minister. Deputy Interior Ministers Polpi Suwanchawee, Jeseth Thaiset, and Vorasit Liangprasit, along with senior officials from the Interior Ministry, were also in attendance.
Public Participation and Funeral Procession
The Royal Household Bureau has extended an invitation to the public to participate in a royal bathing rite before the princess’ portrait. This opportunity will be available on Saturday from 8:30 am to noon at the Sahathai Samakhom Pavilion. The royal remains are scheduled to be transferred from King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital to the Phiman Rattaya Throne Hall within the Grand Palace at 3:30 pm on Saturday.
Mourners, dressed in black, have been gathering along the pavements near the City Pillar Shrine in Bangkok since early morning. They are preparing to pay their final respects along the planned route of the funeral procession.
Princess’s Passing and Medical History
The princess had been receiving medical care since December 15, 2022. Reports indicate she had fallen into a coma due to a heart-related condition. The incident occurred a day prior to her receiving medical attention, when she collapsed while exercising her pet dogs in the Pak Chong district of Nakhon Ratchasima.
