Bangkok - Thai Princess Galyani Vadhana, elder sister King
Bhumibol Adulyadej, died early Wednesday of cancer at the age of 84.
The princess was admitted to Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok on June
15, 2007, suffering from abdominal cancer. Her condition
slowly deteriorated, until doctors announced Tuesday that her her
kidneys had failed and that she had developed a blood infection.
Last year King Bhumibol was also admitted to the hospital after
suffering from a lack of oxygen to the brain. Bhumibol, 80, was given
a clean bill of health on November 7, but he visited his sister
frequently over the months of her illness, demonstrating a lifelong
closeness between the royal siblings.
Bhumibol and other close family members were almost constantly at
her side during her last two days.
Galyani, whose full title was Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani
Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra, was born on May 6,
1923, in London, the only daughter to Prince Mahidol and his wife
Sangwal, a commoner.
Galyani spent much of her youth abroad, primarily in Switzerland
where she and brothers Ananda and Bhumibol, both of whom became
kings, grew up and went to school.
Ananda was king from 1935 to 1946, when he was shot under
mysterious circumstances, bringing the shy young Bhumibol to the
throne at the age of 19.
While still in Switzerland, Galyani married Colonel Aram Rattakun
Serireongrit, a Thai military attache and aide to her brother
Bhumibol.
The couple had one daughter, Dhasanawalaya Sornsongkram, before
divorcing.
Galyani remarried Prince Varananda Dhavaj who died in 1990.
Like all members of the Thai royal family, the princess was a
tireless worker for various charities and development projects.
Besides actively supporting the study of the French language and
appreciation for classical music in Thailand, Galyani headed various
organizations and foundations, including the Cardiac Children's
Foundation, the Princess Mother's Charity Fund and the Autistic
Foundation of Thailand.
© 2008 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur 
USA
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