The estranged son of Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X), Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, is reported to have entered the Buddhist monastic order, drawing renewed attention to questions surrounding the Thai royal succession. Vacharaesorn’s ordination ceremony was held in Bangkok on 11 May, Vesak—one of the most sacred occasions in the Buddhist calendar. The event was public and widely shared through social media, including a series of images posted to Vacharaesorn’s Instagram account.
The 43-year-old’s decision to be ordained has been interpreted by some commentators as a symbolic gesture to re-establish his presence in Thai public life and possibly the royal sphere. The move comes amid ongoing public speculation about the monarchy’s future and who may ultimately succeed the 72-year-old monarch.
Vacharaesorn is the second son of King Vajiralongkorn and his former consort, Sujarinee Vivacharawongse, a former actress previously known as Yuvadhida Polpraserth. Following a highly publicized fallout in 1996, Sujarinee and her four sons were exiled from Thailand, living briefly in England before resettling in the United States. Since then, Vacharaesorn has lived much of his life outside of Thailand and the formal structures of royal life.
Despite his long absence, Vacharaesorn has retained links with the Thai diaspora. He re-emerged in Thai public life in 2023, making a series of public appearances that fueled renewed interest in his status. His recent ordination, which traditionally symbolizes humility and spiritual renewal in Theravada Buddhism, has only intensified public discourse on the royal succession.
A report by the Spanish publication Vanitatis suggested that Vacharaesorn’s presence in Bangkok may be a calculated effort to regain favor with King Vajiralongkorn. While such reports remain speculative, the timing and visibility of the ordination have led some royal observers to view it as more than a personal spiritual undertaking.
Thailand, where more than 93 per cent of the population identify as Buddhist, has a long tradition of monastic ordination as a rite of passage, especially among men. When such ceremonies involve members of the royal family or those of royal lineage, they often carry broader social and political implications.
King Vajiralongkorn ascended to the throne in 2016 following the death of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), who reigned for 66 years and was revered as a unifying figure in modern Thai history. In contrast, Rama X’s reign has been marked by personal controversy and a relatively distant relationship with the Thai public. Much of his time has reportedly been spent in Germany, where he maintains a residence.
The king’s personal life has also drawn attention. He has been married four times and now has both a queen and an officially recognized royal consort, reviving practices from earlier dynastic periods. However, uncertainty surrounds who will eventually succeed him.
Thailand’s 1924 Palace Law of Succession favors male heirs, but the king’s only officially recognized son, 19-year-old Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, is reported to have developmental challenges. Although never officially confirmed, these reports have contributed to doubts about his readiness to assume the throne.
Compounding the uncertainty is the status of the king’s other sons, including Vacharaesorn, who were stripped of their royal titles during the 1996 family dispute. Their legal and ceremonial status remains ambiguous, although Vacharaesorn’s recent actions have raised questions about a possible re-entry into the royal fold.
While the Thai government has not made any official comment, discussions continue across social media and public forums. Analysts remain divided: some view Vacharaesorn’s ordination as a sincere religious act, while others see potential political undertones. Other recent posts on Vacharaesorn’s Instagram account show him donating blood to a hospital, appearing at the American School of Bangkok to talk with students and teachers, and walking through floodwaters that devastated areas of north and northeastern Thailand in late 2024.
As Thailand prepares for an eventual transition in its royal leadership, Vacharaesorn’s presence in the country, along with his networking and meritorious actions, will likely remain a point of attention for observers of the Thai monarchy and its evolving relationship with society.
See more
Thailand King’s disowned son makes surprising return as Buddhist monk, sparking speculation about royal comeback (Times of India)
As Estranged Son Of Thailand King Becomes Buddhist Monk, Succession Debate Continues (News 18)
Disowned son of Thailand king becomes a Buddhist monk, renewing succession drama (Hindustan Times)
Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse vacharaesorn1981 (Instagram)
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