Cause of Thai Princess's Unconsciousness Identified as 'Mycoplasma' Infection

Thai Royal Family "Still Unconscious... Using Equipment to Support Lungs and Kidneys"
Called Princess Princess and Pa Princess... Many Supporters for Succession

On the 19th of last month (local time), Thai people in front of Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, held a photo of Princess Patcharakitiyapha, wishing for her speedy recovery. Photo by EPA, Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] It has been confirmed that Princess Patcharakitiyapha Narentirathep Payawadi (44) of Thailand, who lost consciousness and collapsed on the 14th of last month and is currently in a coma, was infected with Mycoplasma.

On the 8th (local time), the Thai Royal Family announced, "Medical staff have concluded that Princess Patcharakitiyapha lost consciousness due to severe arrhythmia caused by myocarditis from Mycoplasma infection." The Royal Family added, "The princess remains unconscious, and medical staff are continuously administering antibiotics and other medications," explaining, "They are closely monitoring her condition while using equipment to support lung and kidney functions." This is the first time the Thai Royal Family has disclosed the princess's diagnosis.

Mycoplasma is a microorganism with characteristics between viruses and bacteria, primarily causing pneumonia and arthritis. The infection routes include droplets, physical contact, and contact with objects.

Princess Patcharakitiyapha, the eldest daughter among the seven children of King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X), collapsed due to a heart abnormality while training with her pet dog to participate in a military dog competition hosted by the army in Nakhon Ratchasima Province in northeastern Thailand on the 14th of last month. The princess was treated at a local hospital before being transferred to the capital, Bangkok, and is currently hospitalized at Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.

Born in 1978 to King Vajiralongkorn and his first wife Soamsawali Kityakara, Princess Patcharakitiyapha is one of three royal children with official titles. She graduated from Thammasat University in Thailand and earned a Doctor of Juridical Science from Cornell University in the United States. Afterward, she was appointed as a prosecutor in Thailand and was also known as the "Prosecutor Princess." She has worked at the United Nations and served as Thailand's ambassador to Austria, Slovenia, and Slovakia.

Known affectionately in Thailand as "Pa (PA) Princess," since February 2021, she has served as a general in the Royal Guard Command, cutting her hair short like a soldier. She is loved by the Thai people for her down-to-earth and friendly demeanor. Many Thais are praying for the princess's recovery, and some have even visited the hospital where she is admitted, holding her photos outside. The Thai Royal Family has not yet designated a successor, but it is known that many hope Princess Patcharakitiyapha will ascend to the throne.

As the princess's unconscious state has prolonged, rumors of her critical condition and death have circulated on social media (SNS).