Vibhavadi Rangsit - Death

Death

Princess Vibavadi often visited soldiers and the Border Patrol police stationed in areas where communist insurgency then existed. On the morning of February 16, 1977, she set off on what should have been a routine visit to villages and to boost the morale of troops at Wiang Sa district in Surat Thani. While flying to her destination in an army helicopter, she heard a radio message saying two Border Patrol policeman had been wounded by a landmine. She immediately ordered the flight diverted to pick up the wounded men and rush them to a hospital. As they flew at low altitude over Ban Nua Khlong, the helicopter was attacked from the ground by communist insurgents. A burst of heavy machine gun fire not only crippled the helicopter, but also seriously wounded the Princess. She died one hour later.

Prior to her royally sponsored cremation at Ratchabophit temple, on April 4, 1977, in recognition of her services to the country and the people, H.M. the King elevated her to the higher royal rank of Phra Chao Worawongse Ther Phra Ong Chao (Her Royal Highness) and awarded her the highest level of the most Illustrious Order of the House of Chakri.