Although the whole nation is praying for recovery, it is speculated that it will not be easy to wake up from the official announcement that it has been receiving help from medical devices in the heart, kidneys, and lungs for five days. There are various speculations on why he suddenly collapsed and even rumors of his death are circulating on social media.
According to local media such as the Bangkok Post on the 20th, Princess Bajrakitiyabha collapsed while training with her pet dog at an army dog competition held in the northeastern state of Nakhon Rachashima on the 15th. After first aid, the Army transported Princess Pa by helicopter and is currently hospitalized at Bangkok’s Tulalongkun University Hospital.
The Thai royal family said in a statement on the 19th that Princess Pa’s health condition was “more stable,” adding, “Medical staff provided drugs and medical equipment to support the princess’ heart, lungs, and kidneys.” The royal family added, “The princess’ heart rate is not smooth, so she is controlling it through medication.”
As a result, Thais are holding “Pajuin Healing Prayer” all over the country. Prayer events were held at schools and public institutions, and religious people all prayed for Princess Pa’s recovery. Buddhist monks, Thailand’s national religion, are holding prayer meetings to pray for recovery at monasteries every day, and the Thai Islamic Office and Catholic Bishops’ Conference also began to pray for Princess Pa’s return to her daily life from the previous day.
Born in 1978 to the first wife of King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama 10),Princess Bajrakitiyabha graduated from Cornell University, a prestigious U.S., and was appointed as a prosecutor in Thailand. He later served as ambassador to the United Nations and Thailand’s ambassador to Austria, and until recently served in the Royal Guard. The princess also actively participated in human rights movements against the weak, including women in prison.
The Thai royal family is in principle to succeed the eldest son, but with the constitutional amendment to allow the princess to succeed to the throne in 1974, expectations were growing that Princess Pa could become the first queen.
However, if Princess Pa fails to recover her health, Prince Dippacon (17), who was born between the king and the third queen, will succeed to the throne. But Prince Dippacon is still young It is known that there is something wrong with his health. Unlike Princess Pa, who actively communicates with the public, he has never spoken or interviewed in public yet. Because of this, there is a high possibility that the succession to the throne will become unknown. However, the royal family has not designated an official successor since the throne in 2016.
Meanwhile, King Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida were tested positive for COVID-19 on the 17th. The king and his wife have been prescribed medicine for minor symptoms and are refraining from attending external events. They visited princess’s hospital visit the day before the confirmation, and it is not known whether she was infected. However, various unconfirmed rumors are circulating online, such as whether the princess was vaccinated and had side effects.
JULIE KIM
ASIA JOURNAL
