Princess in coma for over two years remains under critical care

The Star

20 hours ago

The Thai king's eldest daughter, in a coma and gravely ill in hospital for more than two years, is receiving 'continuous' treatment to stabilise her blood pressure because of a severe infection, the palace said.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol has been unconscious in hospital since falling ill due to heart problems in December 2022 during a dog training session.
The Bureau of the Royal House­hold gave the first update on her condition in more than two years last Friday, saying she had suffered a 'severe' blood infection.
A second update issued yesterday said doctors were closely monitoring her condition.
'The medical team said that she remains in a state of low blood pressure, requiring continuous treatment,' the statement from the Bureau of the Royal Household said.
'Doctors are administering medication to stabilise her blood pressure, along with medical equipment and antibiotics to support kidney function and breathing.'
Known in Thailand as 'Princess Bha', the 46-year-old is the eldest daughter of King Maha Vajira­longkorn and the only child from his first marriage to Princess Soamsawali.
Educated in Britain, the United States and Thailand, Bajrakiti­yabha has held a number of positions with the United Nations and has campaigned for better treatment of women in prisons.
She is seen as close to her father, and was appointed to a senior role in his bodyguard command a year before her hospitalisation.
The 73-year-old king, who has seven children from four marriages, has not announced his chosen heir, though succession rules favour men. — AFP