Thailand has declared a 15-day period of official mourning following the death of Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, with national flags to be flown at half-mast and government officials observing mourning customs.
According to Bloomberg, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said, however, that the public should continue with their daily lives and economic activities as usual during the mourning period, which begins on June 12.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha, the 47-year-old eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, died on the night of June 11 after spending more than three years in hospital following a sudden collapse linked to a heart condition.
Under the official mourning arrangements, national flags at government offices and public schools will be flown at half-mast, while civil servants, state-enterprise employees and government officials are expected to observe mourning traditions, including wearing black attire.
“When it comes to carrying out our duties, living our lives and earning a livelihood, things should proceed as normal,” Anutin said, adding that the nation would continue to mourn the princess’s passing.
TV stations across Thailand, including state broadcasters and private channels, have also adopted subdued graphics and muted colour schemes as part of the observances.
The country is already observing a one-year mourning period for Queen Mother Sirikit, who died in October 2025, with funeral rites scheduled for December.
According to a palace statement, the king has permitted members of the public to attend a royal bathing rite for the princess at the Grand Palace on June 13 and to pay their respects by signing a condolence book from June 14.
Government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said civil servants will also attend daily Buddhist chanting ceremonies for 100 days.
