{"version":"https:\/\/jsonfeed.org\/version\/1","title":"A Tribute to Princess Bajrakitiyabha","home_page_url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th","feed_url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/index\/id\/3672","items":[{"id":"9f4bf56f87793e39da48261bd1c3479c","title":"Commemorating the Life and Enduring Contributions of Princess Bajrakitiyabha","content_text":"

Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Sarun Charoensuwan delivered the keynote address at a commemorative event titled "A Legacy of Justice and Compassion: Commemorative Event Honoring the Life and Enduring Contributions of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati Kromluangrajasarinisiribajra Mahavajrarajadhita" at the United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok on 20 July 2026.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The event was co-organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ) to commemorate the life and enduring contributions of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha <\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Attendees at this event included Police Lieutenant General Rutthaphon Naowarat, Minister of Justice and Prof. Dr. Kittipong Kittayarak, Chairman of the TIJ Board of Directors, as well as more than 200 representatives from relevant Thai government agencies and the United Nations offices in Thailand.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

In his remarks, the Vice Foreign Minister highlighted Her Royal Highness' unwavering dedication to advancing justice and the rule of law in Thailand and internationally. Drawing upon Her Royal Highness’ educational background in law, Her Royal Highness' work through the Kamlangjai Project, visits to women's correctional facilities, and role as Ambassador of Thailand to Austria and Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations in Vienna, Her Royal Highness led efforts to develop the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders, widely known as the Bangkok Rules. <\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Furthermore, Her Royal Highness was appointed by UNODC in 2017 as the Goodwill Ambassador for the Rule of Law in Southeast Asia. Her Royal Highness’ vision, dedication, and lasting contributions continue to inspire the international community, particularly in promoting justice and safeguarding the rights of vulnerable groups at large.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The commemorative event also featured keynote remarks and reflections by representatives of organizations that had worked closely with Her Royal Highness, as well as members of civil society who had benefited from Her Royal Highness' patronage. <\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Speakers included Ms. Monica Juma, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of the UNODC, Mr. Shombi Sharp, Deputy Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), M.L. Dispanadda Diskul, Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage, the Ambassador of Austria to Thailand, and the Ambassador of Kenya to Thailand. <\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Members of the diplomatic corps, youth representatives from the BBG: Bounce Be Good programme, and youth born in prisons who had received support through the Kamlangjai Project also took part in the event. Together, they paid tribute to Her Royal Highness' vision, compassion, and unwavering commitment to advancing the rule of law, justice, and human dignity – an enduring legacy that continues to improve the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged people in Thailand and around the world.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/3672\/iid\/525070","date_published":"2026-07-23T11:12:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/2026072328a04da1a4b200ab8ee01387c3721cba112944.jpg"},{"id":"3ddb156fbd9965548a950c1e9fa1aa56","title":"Princess Bajrakitiyabha Promoted Harmonious Coexistence between Humans and Elephants","content_text":"

Listed as an endangered species, the Thai elephant is regarded as a symbol of the country. Thai people have lived in harmony with elephants as both working partners and friends for a long period of time. Unfortunately, because natural forest resources and food supplies are on the decline, elephants are forced to encroach upon farmlands in search for food. This situation poses risks to the lives of both humans and elephants.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati Kromluangrajasarinisiribajra Mahavajrarajadhita played a leading role in promoting harmonious coexistence between humans and elephants through royal activities concerning the Bajrasudha Kajanurak Project.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

This project originated from the concern shared by His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana, having learned of the conflicts between local communities and wild elephants. particularly in the five eastern provinces of Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Sa Kaeo. Their Majesties were concerned for the local residents, as their farmlands had been destroyed by wild elephants.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

In order to tackle this problem, Their Majesties initiated the Bajrasudha Kajanurak Project and appointed Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha as chair of the committee on the project, which was accepted under Royal Patronage on 2 August 2019.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The name of the project means “a royal elixir to strengthen wild elephants.” The main objective of the project focuses on the welfare of both wild elephants and humans, so that they can live together in balance. This project also builds on the lifelong work of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, to resolve conflicts between wild elephants and people, as well as conserving natural resources and improving the living standards for communities adjacent to forests in the five eastern provinces.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The project was officially registered as the Bajrasudha Kajanurak Foundation on 25 August 2021. The areas bordering forests in the five provinces are divided into three zones to create a sustainable solution for coexistence between humans and wildlife. The zones include (1) the forest conservation area as a natural habitat for wild elephants, with food crops planted for them, (2) the buffer or in-between zone serving as a temporary dwelling area for wild elephants and preventing them from venturing into the local communities, and (3) the community zone focusing on community development.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The implementation of the Bajrasudha Kajanurak Project has made much progress in solving the root causes of the problem in a sustainable manner.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/3672\/iid\/515270","date_published":"2026-06-23T09:14:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20260623e2141e0cdb01548580f747b0e09de30f092401.jpg"},{"id":"6724d3f112bebcb905bb1d147adf8b54","title":"Princess Bajrakitiyabha and the Use of Sports to Create Opportunities for Young People ","content_text":"

Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati Kromluangrajasarinisiribajra Mahavajrarajadhita was proficient at several sports, including horse riding, cycling, and athletics (long distance running). Aware of the importance of sports in developing people’s potential, Her Royal Highness initiated the use of sports in creating opportunities for young people in the Juvenile Observation and Protection Center. <\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

According to the book HM King Rama X: Thailand’s Sporting Monarch<\/em>, published by the Sports Authority of Thailand in 2022, the Princess instructed the Office of Her Royal Highness’ Projects to launch the program “Young Table Tennis Way of Change” to give youth training in table tennis. The program was developed in 2016 into the “Bounce Be Good” project with the BBC Club. The project aimed to create opportunities for children and youth who found themselves on the wrong path of life, to correct themselves by having an opportunity to develop and become professional athletes. <\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The BBG Princess Cup is also an event at which young people can show their potential for table tennis and badminton. Two more sports – badminton and football – have been included in the BBC Club, which plans to expand its training venues from Bangkok and nearby provinces to regional areas across the country.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

At the opening of the exhibition “NABHA: The Secret Scenes,”on 8 December 2017, Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha spoke about the effect of sports in solving problems faced by young people. The event aimed to publicize the functions of three royally initiated organizations: the Nabha Foundation, the Office of Her Royal Highness’ Projects, and the BBG Club.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

In an excerpt from her speech, Her Royal Highness said,<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

“Children and youth are a major driving force in moving the country forward; thus, the new generation has an influence on creativity. Their problems must be tackled, and sports play an important role in solving them. Apart from keeping people physically fit, participating in sports is also an effective way to develop strength, unity, and a sense of sportsmanship. It is gratifying that children and youth today have opportunities to show their potential. In addition, practicing attentively and leading a proper life are both important and should go together. People must learn to be tolerant and not commit wrongful acts. They must keep doing good deeds and the right things. In so doing, they will grow up to become persons of high quality and caliber, able to contribute to the country’s further development.”<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/3672\/iid\/514745","date_published":"2026-06-22T09:03:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/202606228f24dac537a5050fb10cf89011eb28dc100216.webp"},{"id":"218be1dec23d3708e417defb64da36a0","title":"King and Queen of Bhutan Pay Their Respects to HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha","content_text":"

His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Her Majesty Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck of the Kingdom of Bhutan on 18 June 2026 at 09.24 hr visited the Grand Palace in Bangkok to pay their respects in person to Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati Kromluangrajasarinisiribajra Mahavajrarajadhita. <\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

At Phiman Rattaya Throne Hall within the Grand Palace, Their Majesties the King and Queen of Bhutan laid a wreath in tribute before the royal urn of Her Royal Highness. Following the wreath-laying ceremony, Their Majesties signed the book of condolences at Ratchakaranyasapha Hall.
\r\nPreviously, His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck wrote on Facebook on 12 June, expressing great sadness over the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha, as follows:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

“Their Majesties the King and Queen of Bhutan have learnt with great sadness of the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati of Thailand.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

“Her Royal Highness devoted her life to the service of her country and people. Through her work in advancing justice, supporting the welfare of women and children and her distinguished service in the Royal Thai Armed Forces, she exemplified a deep sense of duty and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of others. Her dedication to public service earned her widespread respect and admiration.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

“At this time of great sorrow, we extend our deepest condolences to His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn, the Royal Family of Thailand and the people of the Kingdom of Thailand. We join them in mourning the loss of a beloved Princess whose life was devoted to the service of her nation and the well-being of its people.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

“Our thoughts and prayers are especially with those who knew and loved Her Royal Highness most dearly and who now mourn her loss.”<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

On 13 June, the Bhutan royal family also led a prayer ceremony and butter-lamp offering in dedication to Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha, at the Grand Kuenrey Hall inside Tashichho Dzong in Bhutan.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/3672\/iid\/514079","date_published":"2026-06-18T18:10:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/2026061803f45246e8186853c5df9117c4c2c30c192521.jpeg"},{"id":"fd3e3f0e53a7ccd7c36f1cbb37649805","title":"Cornell Law School Mourns the Passing of HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha","content_text":"

Cornell Law School mourns the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati Kromluangrajasarinisiribajra Mahavajrarajadhita, citing the Princess as a distinguished alumna whose career as a prosecutor, diplomat, and advocate for women earned international recognition. Its statement recognized her character and her contributions, as follows:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

As a prosecutor in Thailand, Princess Bajrakitiyabha became deeply concerned about the challenges facing incarcerated women, particularly mothers and pregnant women. She launched initiatives to improve educational and vocational opportunities for women in prison and played a leading role in international efforts that culminated in the adoption of the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders, known as the Bangkok Rules. Her work earned international recognition and helped improve conditions for women in justice systems around the world.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

“Following her graduation from Cornell Law School, Princess Bajrakitiyabha had an outstanding legal career, distinguishing herself as a prosecutor, diplomat, and advocate for justice and human rights,” said Stewart J. Schwab, Dean Emeritus and Jonathan and Ruby Zhu Professor of Law. “I also remember her kindness and generosity as we forged deeper connections between Thailand and Cornell Law School. Her untimely death is a great loss to Thailand and to the world.”<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

After earning her law degree in Thailand, Princess Bajrakitiyabha came to Cornell Law School, where she received her Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree in 2002 and her Doctor of the Science of Law (J.S.D.) degree in 2005.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Her accomplishments also left a lasting mark on Cornell Law School. In 2007, the Law School and the Thai Bar Association established the Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol Scholarship and Exchange Program, creating opportunities for outstanding Thai lawyers to pursue advanced legal studies at Cornell and supporting scholarly exchanges between Cornell faculty and leading Thai universities. Established in her honor, the program continues to strengthen ties between the Law School and Thailand’s legal community. Professor John Barceló, who chaired her J.S.D. committee, described her as both “the inspiration and the model” for the initiative.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The relationship flourished over the years. In 2012, Princess Bajrakitiyabha returned to Ithaca as Cornell Law School and the Thai Bar Association renewed the memorandum of understanding that underpinned their collaboration. The visit brought together representatives of the Thai Bar, Thailand’s Ministry of Justice, and Cornell Law School to celebrate a partnership that had grown from the Princess’s own educational journey at Cornell.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

“Princess Bajrakitiyabha demonstrated the transformative power of legal education in service to others,” said Jens David Ohlin, Allan R. Tessler Dean and Professor of Law. “As a prosecutor, diplomat, and international advocate, she devoted her life to advancing justice, human dignity, and the rule of law. Her legacy lives on not only through her extraordinary public service, but also through the scholarship and exchange program that bears her name and continues to create opportunities for future generations of legal leaders. Cornell Law School is proud to count her among our most distinguished alumni.”<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Cornell Law School extends its deepest condolences to the Thai royal family, the people of Thailand, and all those whose lives were touched by Princess Bajrakitiyabha’s leadership, service, and example.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/3672\/iid\/513270","date_published":"2026-06-17T12:02:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20260617d8edb3b6ab74c3f29164d0572a54412a121012.jpeg"},{"id":"161d3d44659a00e58534d9b4f8c470fc","title":"Princess Bajrakitiyabha and Humanitarian Work by the Friends in Need (of \u201cPa\u201d) Volunteers Foundation","content_text":"

Severe floods in Bangkok in 1995 caused not only massive destruction to the lives and property of local residents but also pain and suffering. The damage brought by the catastrophic floods was so heavy that the public sector and charitable organizations alone could not provide prompt and widespread assistance. <\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Concerned over the plights of the flood victims, Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati Kromluangrajasarinisiribajra Mahavajrarajadhita, affectionately known among the Thai people as “Princess Pa,” began to collect donations and visit flood victims in Bang Phlat District of Bangkok on 29 October 1995.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Following the situation, the Friends in Need (of “Pa”) Volunteers Foundation came into existence to help those suffering from natural and man-made disasters, especially floods. Initiated by Her Royal Highness, the Foundation is run through the Thai Red Cross Society. It achieved formal status as a registered foundation on 21 November 2001.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Her Royal Highness served as the President of the Foundation. Since then, the Foundation has expanded its operations and encouraged more members of the public and private sectors to help people in trouble and in time of need. Emphasis is placed on humanitarian assistance and mental rehabilitation. <\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsawali Krom Muen Suddhanarinatha, then Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsawali, graciously agreed to serve as Permanent Honorary President of the Friends in Need (of “Pa”) Volunteers Foundation, in which she played a vital role in giving encouragement to the Foundation’s committee and operators.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Apart from assisting disaster-affected people and helpless victims by recruiting volunteers to carry out the missions, the Friends in Need (of “Pa”) Volunteers Foundation also conducts other special activities. For instance, it offers mental rehabilitation for disaster victims, provides them with temporary shelters, and helps establish child care centers to ease the burdens of affected families.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Princess Bajrakitiyabha was also interested in water management. Through this Foundation, the Princess set up telemetering systems in watershed areas in many provinces, using a comprehensive management approach involving the local community. The telemetry collects data from real time sensors, processes the information, and provides warnings. This timely warning enables reservoir operators to reduce water levels, people to reinforce their homes, and authorities to be prepared.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

All organizations joining the activities of the Friends in Need (of “Pa”) Volunteers Foundation have been well aware of the spirit of volunteerism and its charitable purposes. Her Royal Highness served as a role model for humanitarian work and a source of inspiration for people in need. <\/strong><\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/3672\/iid\/512716","date_published":"2026-06-16T10:35:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20260616a47559bfac3004d1b26ca1dacfd09486110502.jpg"},{"id":"85a6a838642dc0168c5a1539310e4466","title":"HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha as UN Women Goodwill Ambassador","content_text":"

Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati Kromluangrajasarinisiribajra Mahavajrarajadhita was appointed a United Nations Women National Ambassador for Thailand in September 2008. After the passing of Her Royal Highness, the UN Women Asia and the Pacific issued the following message:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati. As a UNIFEM and later UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati was a committed advocate for ending violence against women in all its forms and to advancing gender equality. Her leadership and commitment to women’s rights will be remembered with profound respect and gratitude.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family of Thailand and to the people of Thailand during this time of mourning.”<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

In her message, Ms. Michaela Friberg-Storey, Representative of the UN Secretary-General and UN Resident Coordinator in Thailand, said, “The United Nations in Thailand expresses its profound sadness at the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati Kromluangrajasarinisiribajra Mahavajrarajadhita. We extend our deepest condolences to the Royal Family and to the people of Thailand during this time of mourning.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

“Her Royal Highness’s lifelong devotion to the well-being of the people and her commitment to improving the lives and opportunities of the most vulnerable, particularly women and children, have left an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire future generations in Thailand and beyond.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

“Our thoughts are with the people of Thailand at this moment of national mourning.”<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

UN Women is the United Nations organization dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. A global champion for women and girls, UN Women was established to accelerate progress on meeting their needs worldwide.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha made a statement, serving as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM, now known as UN Women). The statement highlighted Her Royal Highness’s strong advocacy for gender equality and efforts to end violence against women in Thailand.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

“I take pride in saying that Thailand’s support to the global UNIFEM<\/em> Say NO to Violence against Women Campaign is second to none,” <\/em>said Princess Bajrakitiyabha. “I also note with appreciation the national ownership that has evolved around this process. It is indeed a strong foundation upon which coordinated efforts to end violence against women and girls in Thailand have been and will continue to be built.”<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The appointment of Her Royal Highness recognized her strong dedication to social advocacy, particularly for the rights and protection of women.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/3672\/iid\/512458","date_published":"2026-06-15T13:25:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20260615619c9e9fb85d5223aa06c9daa5cd3816135502.jpg"},{"id":"cd18b672f5ff8d11a1636417b56a7e97","title":"Inspire Project (Kamlangjai Project) Initiated by HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha","content_text":"

Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati Kromluangrajasarinisiribajra Mahavajrarajadhita had a particular interest in the lives of female inmates, with an emphasis on pregnant inmates and female detainees with children. As Her Royal Highness intended to develop the legal affairs and justice process to help them, the Princess initiated the Inspire Project, known in Thai as Kamlangjai Project.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The Inspire Project aims to extend help and give encouragement to those who made mistakes in their lives and were brought to justice, and those groups of people who lack opportunity and need help to return to society as decent citizens. It is important that people should help provide opportunities for others, in a timely manner, especially to those who need courage to reintegrate into society.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Founded in 2006, the project offers a helping hand to people in need of opportunities in Thai society by carrying out activities that support government agencies without overlapping government programs.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

In this way, the project finds the right target groups and chooses the most beneficial activities to contribute or improve what government agencies are unable to fulfil due to insufficient resources. The target groups consist of female detainees, detainees’ babies, juvenile delinquents, and other groups of needy persons who are part of the justice process. The end result is a marked improvement in their skill set through education and vocational training to improve their quality of life.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Apart from encouraging and providing opportunities for these target groups, the project has campaigned to encourage Thai society to offer opportunities to those who took the wrong path but have now learned to be good citizens.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Another important activity under the project is the use of play and acting skills to help the process of rehabilitation. This novel idea helps reshape the behavior of juvenile delinquents in observation and protection centers to help them learn and realize the truth from play-acting. This method was first introduced at Ban Kanchanaphisek Vocational Juvenile Training Center in Nakhon Pathom Province, after which the inmates held their first performance at the Pathum Thani International Theater Festival in February 2009.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Her Royal Highness said, “Kamlangjai, or “Inspire,” is a powerful word that refers to good wishes and generosity human beings should have for one another….”<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/3672\/iid\/512320","date_published":"2026-06-15T09:33:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20260615a08fddd4e302fec4e5690ddd5d78cd46094059.jpg"},{"id":"afc86b1bb51ba7449036d45bb08c4080","title":"Princess Bajrakitiyabha: UNODC Goodwill Ambassador on the Rule of Law for Southeast Asia","content_text":"

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati Kromluangrajasarinisiribajra Mahavajrarajadhita, who was appointed Goodwill Ambassador on the Rule of Law for Southeast Asia by UNODC in February 2017.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The statement on the passing of the Princess says, “Throughout her life, Her Royal Highness touched the lives of people around Thailand, including the most vulnerable. She took a profound interest in the wellbeing of people caught in the justice system, and became a champion for the rule of law and an effective criminal justice process which treats everyone with dignity. Her tireless efforts to advance international standards for the treatment of women prisoners and non-custodial measures for women offenders, also known as the ‘Bangkok Rules,’ created a lasting legacy benefitting generations of women around the world.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

“As UNODC Goodwill Ambassador for the Rule of Law in Southeast Asia, she was an advocate for this cause not just in Thailand, but an inspiration for people across the region and beyond.”<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

UNODC appointed Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha as Goodwill Ambassador on the Rule of Law for Southeast Asia on 14 February 2017 to raise the profile of, and support for, development efforts that address the impact of crime on society, and that contribute to justice reform. Her Royal Highness had supported UNODC efforts in the region over recent years, increasing visibility and mobilizing partnerships, most recently promoting the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda. <\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

"Her Royal Highness brings tremendous commitment, dedication and energy to the essential work of delivering the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda," noted UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov as he commended Her Royal Highness for joining UNODC efforts to promote the rule of law. He went on to say, "She has invaluable experience that enables her to speak with authority on the need for effective, accountable and inclusive institutions. I have no doubt she will play a significant role in the region on UNODC's behalf."<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Her Royal Highness remarked, "My appointment as a Goodwill Ambassador offers the opportunity to champion UN positions on the rule of law and fairness in criminal justice systems, and to help achieve the bold vision of the 2030 Agenda."<\/em> The Princess added, "I look forward to working with the UNODC Southeast Asia team to reduce crime and violence, protect vulnerable groups and challenge corruption, while contributing to efforts to strengthen the rule of law."<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Significant for UNODC in Southeast Asia, Princess Bajrakitiyabha helped organize the 2013 Bangkok Dialogue on the Rule of Law to promote justice, security, and the rule of law as necessary for sustainable development, and to build political momentum for the Post 2015 Development Agenda. Her Royal Highness also served as Ambassador of Thailand to the UN in Vienna, and participated in the UN General Assembly's Economic and Social Council's Commission on Narcotic Drugs and the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice where States debate global policies to address drug and crime.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

As a Goodwill Ambassador, Her Royal Highness contributed to UNODC, with strategies to reform justice and advance the rule of law.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/3672\/iid\/512248","date_published":"2026-06-14T18:48:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/2026061416361afb69dadcb4aed9995037c3f74d192105.jpeg"},{"id":"422f10d8dba32f7036f86d96a6ae3dbb","title":"The Bestowal of Royal Honors on HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha as Memorial Tribute","content_text":"

His Majesty the King has issued a royal command bestowing the seven-tiered white umbrella of state to provide a royal canopy over the royal urn of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati Kromluangrajasarinisiribajra Mahavajrarajadhita.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The royal command was published in the Royal Gazette on 13 June 2026, which announced the bestowal of great royal honors on Her Royal Highness as a memorial tribute.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

It stated that Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha, who passed away on Thursday, 11 June 2026, was His Majesty the King’s eldest daughter. The Princess was endowed with gracious conduct and had performed royal duties with perseverance and gratitude in service to His Majesty. Her Royal Highness earned royal trust and her contributions, recognized and appreciated by the people in all areas, brought benefit to the country.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The Princess devoted herself to a wide range of royal activities, including work related to the justice process, public charity, human rights protection, the improvement of disadvantaged people’s quality of life, and international affairs. Her Royal Highness served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Austria and also worked at the Permanent Mission of Thailand to the United Nations in New York.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Princess Bajrakitiyabha served as an expert public prosecutor at the Office of the Attorney-General. In public service, Her Royal Highness served as chairperson of the Friends in Need (of “Pa”) Volunteers Foundation under Thai Red Cross Society; the Bajrasudha Kajanurak Foundation under Royal Patronage; the Phubodin Foundation under Royal Patronage; and the Ratchathan Pansuk Foundation under Royal Patronage. The Princess had also undertaken royal responsibilities in caring for the well-being of the people in many aspects.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

According to the announcement, His Majesty stated that great royal honors should be bestowed on Her Royal Highness in conformity with ancient royal traditions, as a memorial tribute to her distinguished virtues exalted within the Royal Family. Therefore, the seven-tiered white umbrella of state has been granted to provide a royal canopy over the royal urn in honor of the Princess.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/3672\/iid\/512178","date_published":"2026-06-14T08:39:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/202606140529e0bf5e9552ddc0bb93d7f4ad235f085728.jpeg"}]}