The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ) co-host A Legacy of Justice and Compassion: Commemorative Event Honouring the Life and Enduring Contributions of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati Kromluangrajasarinisiribajra Mahavajrarajadhita on 20 July 2026, at the United Nations Conference Centre, Rajadamnern Nok Avenue, Bangkok.
Bringing together more than 250 participants from 17 countries, the commemorative event pays tribute to Her Royal Highness’s extraordinary contributions to justice, the rule of law, and the protection of people in vulnerable situations. Her Royal Highness served as Chairperson of the 21st session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ), UNODC Goodwill Ambassador for the Rule of Law in Southeast Asia, and UNIFEM Ambassador. She was also the driving force behind the United Nations Bangkok Rules, the first international standards dedicated to women in prison and women offenders, which continue to shape gender-responsive justice systems worldwide.
Distinguished Global Leaders Gather to Honour the Royal Legacy
On this auspicious occasion, representatives from the United Nations, foreign governments, international organisations, and justice practitioners convened to deliver solidarity statements. The event commenced with welcoming remarks led by Mr. Shombi Sharp, Deputy Executive Secretary, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), and Ms. Delphine Schantz, UNODC Regional Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
Mr. Shombi Sharp, Deputy Executive Secretary, ESCAP, paid tribute to Her Royal Highness as an outstanding legal scholar, diplomat, humanitarian, and public servant whose lifelong dedication to justice, human dignity, and compassion left an enduring impact on Thailand, the Asia-Pacific region, and the international community.
He highlighted Her Royal Highness’s pivotal role in advancing the rule of law, strengthening multilateral cooperation, and promoting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly through her leadership in the development of the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders (the Bangkok Rules) and her contribution to advancing Sustainable Development Goal 16 on peace, justice, and strong institutions.
“Her Royal Highness believed that justice is not only about laws and institutions, but also about protecting dignity, expanding opportunity, and ensuring that together we leave no one behind. Throughout her life, she reminded us that justice must always be accompanied by compassion and empathy. Justice does not end with a legal decision—it continues through rehabilitation, opportunity, and the restoration of dignity.”
In his concluding remarks, he noted that while many had the privilege of working alongside Her Royal Highness and others came to know her through her remarkable achievements, her vision and values had inspired all who encountered her legacy. He reaffirmed ESCAP’s commitment, together with the Royal Thai Government, the United Nations, and the international community, to carrying forward the ideals that Her Royal Highness so passionately championed; justice, compassion, human dignity, and service to others.
Ms. Delphine Schantz, UNODC Regional Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, expressed profound respect and gratitude for the life and legacy of Her Royal Highness, recognizing her as a visionary leader whose contributions transformed international criminal justice, particularly through the development of the Bangkok Rules. She also highlighted her leadership in advancing the rule of law through her distinguished service within the United Nations, including as Thailand’s Permanent Representative in Vienna, Chair and Vice-Chair of key UN commissions, and UNODC Goodwill Ambassador for the Rule of Law in Southeast Asia.
“What made Her Royal Highness truly exceptional was not only her leadership, but her profound ability to see the human being behind every policy, every institution, and every law. She made every person feel heard, valued, and inspired to do more.”
She concluded, “Her legacy lives not only in international standards, United Nations resolutions, or institutions, but also in the lives that have been transformed, the opportunities that have been restored, and the hope that has been renewed. It lives on in the values she embodied; compassion, fairness, courage, and service to others. The greatest tribute we can pay to Her Royal Highness is not only to remember her achievements, but to continue the work she began. Her voice may no longer be with us, but her vision endures, her leadership continues to inspire, and her legacy will remain a guiding light for generations to come.”
Following the welcome session, Professor Dr. Kittipong Kittayarak, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ), delivered special remarks.
“Many people know Her Royal Highness through the Bangkok Rules, the Kamlangjai Project, the Thailand Institute of Justice, and her service to the United Nations. But behind all these achievements was something more fundamental: the way she saw people…”
He further stated that Her Royal Highness had a remarkable ability to connect law with everyday life, justice with development, local experience with international principles, and the suffering of individuals with the shared responsibility of the global community. He noted that Her Royal Highness possessed a profound understanding of the law, as well as of the United Nations and the potential of international cooperation to advance peace, justice, and sustainable development.
“More importantly, she understood people. She never allowed the language of policy to erase the human being at the centre of the issue. For her, justice had to remain human. She gave justice a human face. And she left us with a responsibility: to ensure that the work she began does not end with her.” He concluded.
High-Level Keynote Addresses
The commemorative event was honoured by keynotes and addresses from high-level dignitaries and global experts, including:
- H.E. Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruthapol Naowarat, Minister of Justice;
- Mr. Sarun Charoensuwan, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand ;
- Ms. Apiporn Chanthaphan, Director-General of the Regional Public Prosecution Office 9, the Office of the Attorney General;
- H.E. Katharina Wieser, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to the Kingdom of Thailand;
- H.E. Mrs. Lucy Kiruthu, Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya to the Kingdom of Thailand;
- Ms. Monica Juma, UNODC Executive Director; and
- Mr. Naoki Sugano, Deputy Director of the United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFEI).
“The work and contributions of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha have brought about meaningful change both in Thailand and internationally. Her Royal Highness showed us that the justice system is not only responsible for enforcing the law, but also for creating opportunities and safeguarding the dignity of every individual, particularly those in vulnerable situations.” remarks from H.E. Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruthapol Naowarat, the Minister of Justice.
The Minister of Justice further noted that Her Royal Highness's vision led to the development of the Bangkok Rules, an international standard that has transformed the treatment of women prisoners around the world and has served as an important framework for the development of laws, policies, and practices in many countries, including Thailand.
He added that Her Royal Highness also played a leading role in advancing the development of the United Nations Model Strategies and Practical Measures on the Elimination of Violence against Children in the Field of Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, which inspired numerous initiatives focused on the rehabilitation of children and young people. Her concern also extended to people living in remote communities who faced the risks associated with illicit drugs. Her Royal Highness believed that sustainable crime prevention and drug prevention require not only effective law enforcement, but also greater opportunities for livelihoods, improved quality of life, and stronger community development.
“Her Royal Highness's contributions to the field of justice have been of immeasurable benefit to the people of Thailand and the international community, and her legacy will forever remain in the hearts of all those whose lives have been touched by her vision and compassion.” H.E. Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruthapol Naowarat, delivered.
Representatives from governments, the diplomatic community, international organisations, and justice institutions also paid tribute to Her Royal Highness's enduring contributions to justice, diplomacy, and international cooperation. They highlighted her leadership in advancing the rule of law, promoting human dignity, and strengthening multilateral partnerships through her distinguished service in the United Nations and beyond. Speakers noted that Her Royal Highness's vision extended far beyond legal reform, placing compassion, rehabilitation, and the protection of the most vulnerable at the heart of justice.
International Community Pays Tribute to the Royal Initiatives
A dedicated tribute segment brought together individuals who had the privilege of serving and working alongside Her Royal Highness to offer personal reflections on her vision, leadership, and enduring impact. Under the thematic sessions "Creating Opportunities, Social Inclusion, and Sustainable Development" and "Protecting and Supporting People in Vulnerable Situations," discussions featured prominent speakers from international and national institutions.
These included representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UNICEF, UN Women, Cornell Law School (USA), the European Institute for Crime Prevention and Control (HEUNI), the Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage, California State University, the Cheevamitr Social Enterprise, the Friends Behind the Wall Fund, Baan Kanjanapisek Vocational Training Center for Youth, the Office of the Attorney General, the BBG (Bounce Be Good) Club Royal Project, and the author of the inspiring book "I Am Eri."
They emphasized that her legacy continues to inspire governments, international organisations, and justice practitioners around the world to carry forward the principles she championed through sustained international cooperation and a shared commitment to building more just, inclusive, and humane societies.
Carrying Forward the Vision for Sustainable Development
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Phiset Sa-ardyen, Executive Director of the TIJ reflected that although each participant remembered Her Royal Highness in a different way, they were all remembering the same person—one who believed deeply in justice and equally deeply in people. He noted that Her Royal Highness understood something that many leaders sometimes overlook: those who dedicate their lives to caring for others also need someone who believes in them.
“Throughout those years, many of us were working to support others. Yet, it was Her Royal Highness who continued to give us strength, confidence, and encouragement. She made people feel that their work mattered. She made people believe they could do more than they thought possible.”
He added that, to him, this was not simply an act of kindness but a true expression of leadership, reflecting Her Royal Highness’s profound understanding of justice.
“I hope we will carry with us not only the memory of Her Royal Highness, but also the example she set: to lead with empathy; to never lose sight of the people behind every policy; and to encourage those who dedicate their lives to serving others. In doing so, we will continue the vision and work that Her Royal Highness began, ensuring that her legacy endures and continues to make a lasting impact.”
The event, “A Legacy of Justice and Compassion: Commemorative Event Honouring the Life and Enduring Contributions of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati Kromluangrajasarinisiribajra Mahavajrarajadhita,” serves as more than a reflection on a profound loss for the Thai people and the global justice community. It stands as a pivotal moment for the world to recognise the enduring value of her royal initiatives and to reaffirm a collective commitment to carrying forward her values, principles, and vision to reform the justice system, both in Thailand and across the international community.
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