Bangkok: Citizens across Thailand expressed profound grief following the announcement of the death of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, the eldest daughter of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
According to Thai News Agency, in Khon Kaen province, an atmosphere of deep sorrow prevailed as residents learned of the Bureau of the Royal Household's announcement. Local government offices lowered their flags to half-mast to pay tribute.
Sukanya Kanjanabat, a senior professional nurse and deputy director of nursing at Thanyarak Khon Kaen Hospital, who worked under the Friends in Need of "Pa" Volunteers Foundation for over a decade, stated she was devastated by the immense loss. Sukanya noted that while collaborating on drug rehabilitation programs under the foundation, the Princess served as a vital source of encouragement and spiritual support for both workers and those facing hardships.
In Ang Thong province, 75-year-old Nongnuch Khamkhong shared that she had worked closely under the Princess's prison vocational training initiatives for inmates for over 16 years. These initiatives operate primarily through the Princess's "Kamlangjai" (Inspire) Project, which focuses on mental rehabilitation, vocational training, and improving the quality of life for incarcerated women and pregnant inmates to ensure sustainable reintegration into society.
Nongnuch recalled the Princess's first visit to Ang Thong in 2007 to open a flood rehabilitation project. She described the Princess as approachable and down-to-earth, noting that she had made seven private visits to Nongnuch's home. Nongnuch preserved an earthen house built for the Princess during those visits to serve as a museum showcasing her royal duties. She added that when she underwent spinal surgery at Ang Thong Hospital, the Princess also paid her a private visit.
Members of the public expressed profound sadness upon hearing the palace announcement, describing the Princess -widely remembered as a legal scholar- as a beloved royal who demonstrated constant kindness toward the Thai people.