Princess Bajrakitiyabha, who has been hospitalized since she collapsed from a heart condition in 2022, is being treated for a severe bloodstream infection, said a statement from the Bureau of the Royal Household.

The statement said that the Princess, who has been hospitalized since December 2022, is now battling a severe bloodstream infection. Her medical team has been giving her medications and using medical equipment to support her lungs and kidneys. Periodic infections have been detected, and doctors have been giving her antibiotics since 9 August.

It was recently found that the Princess has developed a severe infection which has entered her bloodstream. Her medical team is administering multiple antibiotics, along with medication to maintain a stable blood pressure.

On 15 December 2022, it was reported that the Princess collapsed from a heart condition while training her dogs for the 2022 Thailand Working Dog Championship of the Royal Thai Army at the Military Dog Battalion in Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. She was taken to the Pak Chong Nana Hospital before being transferred via helicopter to Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok, where she remains hospitalized.

The Bureau of the Royal Household said in a statement on 7 January 2023 that the Princess collapsed due to severe cardiac arrhythmia relating to a mycoplasma infection. She is unconscious and is being given antibiotics, while her heart, lungs, and kidneys continue to be treated with medication and medical equipment.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha is the oldest of King Vajiralongkorn’s 7 children and the only child born to his first wife, Princess Soamsawali. She previously worked at the Thai Permanent Mission to the UN and the Office of the Attorney General in Bangkok. In February 2021, she was transferred to the Royal Security Command, the military unit responsible for the security of the King and his family, and given the rank of General.

The Princess’ illness has put royal succession under the spotlight. Although the King has not formally named an heir, she is seen as the most viable candidate due to her family background and public standing.