Bacterial infection led to Thai princess’ collapse, palace says

Bangkok, Jan 8 (EFE).- A bacterial infection caused the collapse of the Thai king’s eldest daughter Princess Bajrakitiyabha, who has been in hospital since she lost consciousness in mid-December, the Royal Household Bureau said Sunday.

The princess has still not regained consciousness after collapsing due to a heart condition on Dec. 14, the bureau said in its third statement on her health.

Doctors are giving her antibiotics and using machines to support the functioning of her heart, lungs and kidneys, the bureau added.

According to the doctors’ diagnosis, a mycoplasma bacteria caused an “inflammation of the heart” and “severe heart arrhythmia,” which led her to faint.

Bajrakitiyabha, 44, lost consciousness while training her dog for a competition in the city of Nakhon Ratchasima, about 250 kilometers (155 miles) northeast of Bangkok.

She was rushed to the capital’s Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, where she remains hospitalized.

King Vajiralongkorn, who recently recovered from Covid-19, as well as other members of the royal family, have been visiting the princess frequently.

Politicians and citizens have also gone to the hospital to lay flowers and send messages of support.

Prayers are being held daily in Buddhist temples, Christian churches and Muslim mosques throughout the country for her recovery.

Born on Dec. 7, 1978, Bajrakitiyabha is the only daughter from King Vajiralongkorn’s first marriage to his first cousin Princess Soamsawali, whom he divorced in 1991.

After her father’s ascension to the throne in 2016, Bajrakitiyabha – considered by many to be the most suitable heir to the throne – took on a more prominent role in royal ceremonies and acts and in representing the country.

With a doctorate in law from the University of Chicago and a degree in international relations, Princess Bajrakitiyabha has served as Thailand’s ambassador to Austria between 2012 and 2014 and has held several positions representing the country at the United Nations, including at the UN Women’s agency and, more recently, at the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.

The princess, who is unmarried and does not have any children, has led a discreet life unlike her father who has been embroiled in several scandals.

It is not known if she had any health problem. EFE

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