Thailand Royal Family Shares Rare Update on Princess in 3-Year Coma

Thailand’s royal family has shared a rare health update on Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, the eldest child of King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

The princess, known as “Princess Bha,” 45, has been hospitalized in a coma since December 2022 after collapsing as a result of a heart condition.

In a statement released last week, the Thai royal family revealed the princess’s medical team at the Chulalongkorn Red Cross Hospital in Bangkok “detected a severe infection in the bloodstream, leading them to administer antibiotics and medication to stimulate blood pressure in order to maintain stable levels.”

“The doctors have reported that the Princess’ lungs and kidneys have been functioning with support from medical devices and medication,” the statement added.

Hello! reported on Aug. 19 that the princess’s care regimen includes “broad-spectrum antibiotics and dialysis sessions to replace her deteriorating kidney function.”

The Thai royal family has kept the princess’s condition largely private, releasing only four statements in the nearly three years that she has been hospitalized.

Princess Bha is the eldest daughter of the King, 71, and his only child by his first wife, Soamsawali Kitiyakara. Prior to falling ill, she earned degrees in law and international relations in both Thailand and the United States, worked for the United Nations and served as Thailand’s ambassador to Austria.

She also did extensive work advocating for better treatment incarcerated women in Thailand and around the world. Her efforts helped lead to the U.N.’s 2010 adoption of the “Bangkok Rules,” also known as the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders.

The King, known as Rama X, has yet to officially announce a successor. Before her hospitalization, Princess Bha was considered a frontrunner, even though Thai tradition favors a male heir.

The King also has five children by his second wife, Yuvadhida Polpraserth; however, following their divorce, she and her children fled to England and later, the United States. The former consort and her four sons, who would be next in line to the throne, were reportedly banished from Thailand, though the second eldest, Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, returned in 2023, leading to rumors about a succession shakeup.

Can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates.

The King’s daughter, Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, 38, was returned to Thailand to live with the royal family.

For now, it is thought that the King’s youngest child, Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, 20, may be the one to succeed his father to the throne. He is the only child of the King and his third wife, Srirasmi Suwadee.