PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos on Saturday expressed his condolences to Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn and to the people of Thailand, following the passing of Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati.
In a statement, Marcos recognized the princess’ lifelong dedication to public service, justice and human rights.
”Her lifelong dedication to public service and her commitment to justice, human dignity and women’s rights leave an enduring legacy that will be remembered by the Thai nation and admired by the international community,” Marcos said.
”The Philippines stands in solidarity with the people of Thailand in mourning this profound loss and in honoring the remarkable legacy of Her Royal Highness,” he added.
Bajrakitiyabha, the eldest child of the Thai king, has died at 47, the royal palace said on Friday, after multiple health problems and nearly four years in a coma.
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Princess Bajrakitiyabha, a lawyer, was active in justice reform efforts and best recognized for her Kamlangjai, or ”Inspire,” project to help rehabilitate incarcerated Thai women ahead of their release.
She worked in Thailand’s justice system, including roles related to prosecution and legal reform and also served in diplomatic positions.
She was appointed as the goodwill ambassador for the rule of law in Southeast Asia by the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in 2017, focusing on issues affecting women in prisons and broader criminal justice reform.
She held an academic background in law, having studied in Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States, including advanced legal training at institutions such as Cornell University.