Cornell Law School mourns the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol of Thailand, LL.M. ’02, J.S.D. ’05, a distinguished alumna whose career as a prosecutor, diplomat, and advocate for women earned international recognition. Princess Bajrakitiyabha, the eldest child of Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn, died June 11 at the age of 47 after a prolonged illness.

As a prosecutor in Thailand, Princess Bajrakitiyabha became deeply concerned about the challenges facing incarcerated women, particularly mothers and pregnant women. She launched initiatives to improve educational and vocational opportunities for women in prison and played a leading role in international efforts that culminated in the adoption of the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders, known as the Bangkok Rules. Her work earned international recognition and helped improve conditions for women in justice systems around the world.

“Following her graduation from Cornell Law School, Princess Bajrakitiyabha had an outstanding legal career, distinguishing herself as a prosecutor, diplomat, and advocate for justice and human rights,” said Stewart J. Schwab, Dean Emeritus and Jonathan and Ruby Zhu Professor of Law. “I also remember her kindness and generosity as we forged deeper connections between Thailand and Cornell Law School. Her untimely death is a great loss to Thailand and to the world.”

After earning her law degree in Thailand, Princess Bajrakitiyabha came to Cornell Law School, where she received her LL.M. degree in 2002 and her Doctor of the Science of Law degree in 2005.

Her accomplishments also left a lasting mark on Cornell Law School. In 2007, the Law School and the Thai Bar Association established the Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol Scholarship and Exchange Program, creating opportunities for outstanding Thai lawyers to pursue advanced legal studies at Cornell and supporting scholarly exchanges between Cornell faculty and leading Thai universities. Established in her honor, the program continues to strengthen ties between the Law School and Thailand’s legal community. Professor John Barceló, who chaired her J.S.D. committee, described her as both “the inspiration and the model” for the initiative.

The relationship flourished over the years. In 2012, Princess Bajrakitiyabha returned to Ithaca as Cornell Law School and the Thai Bar Association renewed the memorandum of understanding that underpins their collaboration. The visit brought together representatives of the Thai Bar, Thailand’s Ministry of Justice, and Cornell Law School to celebrate a partnership that had grown from the Princess’s own educational journey at Cornell.

“Princess Bajrakitiyabha demonstrated the transformative power of legal education in service to others,” said Jens David Ohlin, Allan R. Tessler Dean and Professor of Law. “As a prosecutor, diplomat, and international advocate, she devoted her life to advancing justice, human dignity, and the rule of law. Her legacy lives on not only through her extraordinary public service, but also through the scholarship and exchange program that bears her name and continues to create opportunities for future generations of legal leaders. Cornell Law School is proud to count her among our most distinguished alumni.”

Cornell Law School extends its deepest condolences to the Thai royal family, the people of Thailand, and all those whose lives were touched by Princess Bajrakitiyabha’s leadership, service, and example.