Princess Bha Cause of Death: Who Will Succeed Thailand King Rama X?
Thailand's Princess Bha has died after several years in a coma. The death of the eldest child of Thailand's king has thrown the line of succession into increasing turmoil.
According to The New York Times, Thailand's King, Maha Vajiralongkorn, 73, has not named an heir, although there are contenders named. Princess Bha was believed to be the likely heir to the Thai Kingdom before her collapse and death, People reported. However, how did Princess Bha die? And who will succeed the Thai King Rama X?
What Was Princess Bha's Cause of Death? The Royal Recently Had a Severe Infection
Although a formal cause of death was not released, the princess languished for years in a coma, and her health issues were detailed at that time. The princess, whose real name was Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, was only 47 years old when she died.
According to The New York Times, the princess was on life support and in a coma for 3.5 years after she "collapsed in a park in northern Thailand while running with her dogs." The palace updated her condition in May, stating that she "had an infection in her abdomen that caused low blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat," The Times reported. The Royal Family posted the statement in Thai on its website.
The week before she died, the Royal Family released another update about the princess's condition, saying that doctors "detected a severe infection in the bloodstream, leading them to administer antibiotics and medication to stimulate blood pressure in order to maintain stable levels," People reported.
"The doctors have reported that the Princess' lungs and kidneys have been functioning with support from medical devices and medication," the statement added.
The princess was receiving "broad-spectrum antibiotics and dialysis sessions to replace her deteriorating kidney function" for months, Hello! reported.
The King of Thailand Has Had 4 Wives & 7 Kids
According to The Times, the King of Thailand has "been married four times and has seven children. He has disowned four sons whom he fathered starting in 1979 with his second wife, the actress Sujarinee Vivacharawongse, before they were married."
Princess Bha was the King's "only child by his first wife, Soamsawali Kitiyakara," according to People.
Who will succeed the King? That's not clear, but People reports that there is a frontrunner: "For now, it is thought that the King's youngest child, Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, 20" might be the next King, People reported, adding, "He is the only child of the King and his third wife, Srirasmi Suwadee."
However, according to The Standard, the prince has not been named the heir because "due to rumored autism and learning difficulties." There is also a scandal involving his mother, Suwadee, third wife of King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
"A nude video of Suwadee dancing in front of the king's dog was leaked in 2009, and it was alleged that her parents had abused their royal connections for fraud, raising concerns about her potential role as 'Mother of the Nation,'" The Standard reported.
The King's daughter Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana is also a contender, but she has indicated that she doesn't want to ascend the throne, The Standard added.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
2026 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
This story was originally published June 12, 2026 at 12:33 PM.