Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s second-eldest son made an unexpected visit to a child-care center for disadvantaged families in the kingdom on Tuesday. This marks his first return to his homeland in 27 years.
Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, aged 42, undertook this journey amid a challenging period for the Thai royal family, with the monarch’s eldest daughter having been in a coma since December.
Presently employed at a law firm in New York, Vacharaesorn paid a visit to the Foundation for Slum Child Care, an initiative backed by the royal family. During his visit, he engaged with well-wishers and supporters of the initiative.
Wearing an understated ensemble of jeans and a plain black shirt, he positioned himself for snapshots against the backdrop of portraits featuring his father and his late grandfather, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who concluded a remarkable 70-year reign before his passing in 2016.
“I am thrilled to be back… It has been a considerable absence of 27 years,” Vacharaesorn conveyed to reporters during his interaction at the Bangkok foundation.
He also conveyed, “It feels like a dream fulfilled to be back.”
The Royal Palace has refrained from commenting on this visit, and the Palace Household Bureau did not respond to requests for comments.
Vacharaesorn’s return has surprised many Thais. A picture of him in a “tuk-tuk” auto-rickshaw in Bangkok, posted on his Facebook page on Monday, garnered tens of thousands of likes from his 80,000-plus followers.
On the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), the hashtag #SonOfTenReturnToThailand trended nearly 390,000 times. His father holds the formal title of King Rama X.
Those who encountered Vacharaesorn during his visit were deeply affected. Angsana Seeprasit, aged 66, commented,
“I find it quite touching. He has been absent for a considerable period. In my perspective, he remains an integral part of the royal family.”
Vacharaesorn, positioned as the second among the four sons born to King Vajiralongkorn and his second wife, Sujarinee Vivacharawongse, a former actress from whom the then-crown prince distanced himself in 1996.
While he lacks an official royal title, Vacharaesorn retains a status that was bestowed upon him during his childhood as the grandson of a monarch.
Following the 1996 divorce, he, his mother, three brothers, and a sister became estranged and relocated abroad. In contrast, Vacharaesorn’s younger sister was eventually embraced by the royal family and bestowed with the royal title Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana. She possesses dual roles as a fashion designer and an equestrian, having represented Thailand in the 2014 Asian Games.
King Vajiralongkorn, who has undergone three divorces, has seven children. He is married to Queen Suthida, his former chief bodyguard, whom he wed just days before his coronation in 2019.
Despite his age, the 71-year-old monarch has yet to name an official heir to the throne.
In late December, the king’s eldest child, Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, aged 44, suffered a severe heart failure and collapsed.
Media attention
The unexpected return of Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, has ignited both intrigue and speculation within media circles. This surprise visit to an underprivileged child-care center after an absence of 27 years has spurred a range of opinions about its implications.
In a media landscape that closely observes the Thai royal family, Vacharaesorn’s reentry into the public sphere comes at a time when the monarch’s eldest daughter remains in a coma. The timing of his visit raises questions about the familial dynamics and the broader political undercurrents within the royal palace.
The media has been quick to dissect the significance of Vacharaesorn’s return, delving into its symbolic implications. His presence, coupled with his casual demeanor and interactions, paints a picture of a prince who bridges both the traditional past and the digital age.
The image of him in a tuk-tuk swiftly made its rounds on social media platforms, triggering discussions on the royal family’s role in contemporary society.
Media outlets have also analyzed the royal family’s response to this surprise homecoming. The Royal Palace’s lack of official commentary and the silence from the Palace Household Bureau have sparked curiosity. The absence of an official statement has fueled speculation about the intentions behind this visit and its potential impact on Thailand’s future narrative.
Media opinion pieces have explored the broader societal implications of Vacharaesorn’s visit. Some view it as a subtle effort to connect with the public and demonstrate the monarchy’s commitment to philanthropic endeavors, particularly through his engagement with the Foundation for Slum Child Care.
Others interpret this move as a strategic maneuver amidst ongoing discussions about Thailand’s succession plan.
The media’s coverage of Vacharaesorn’s return also delves into his personal journey. His life away from the royal spotlight, his anonymity abroad, and his eventual reconnection with his homeland have all been scrutinized in the context of Thailand’s intricate societal norms and royal traditions.
In a nation where the royal family commands deep respect and attention, Vacharaesorn’s surprise return has undoubtedly sparked a media frenzy. It serves as a reminder of the dynamic interplay between tradition and change, and how the royal family continues to captivate both domestic and international audiences with its every move.