Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha passes at 47, leaving a legacy in law and diplomacy

Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha, a royal daughter, lawyer, diplomat and UN goodwill ambassador, dies at 47. Educated at Thammasat and Cornell (master’s in 2002, PhD in 2005 on the rights of the accused), she championed criminal-justice reform and women’s rights, served as Thailand’s ambassador to Austria (2012–2014), and helped advance the Bangkok Rules on female prisoners; seen as a potential regent for a future monarch, her death is a significant loss to Thailand and international public service.