Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, one of the estranged brothers of Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X), has fueled renewed speculation over the royal succession after posting photos of his ordination as a Buddhist monk in Bangkok. The ceremony, on Vesak Day, a major Buddhist holiday — was remarkably public, with the 43-year-old posting several snaps on Instagram. His high-profile engagement suggests potential royal sanction and has raised interest in his future as part of the monarchy.
Who is Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse?
Commonly referred to as Than Oun, Vacharaesorn is the second son of Rama X and his ex-wife Sujarinee Vivacharawongse, an actress formerly known as Yuvadhida Polpraserth. Born in 1981, he came to the U.S. after being banished in 1996 with his mother and siblings. Even after living most of his life outside of Thailand as a regular citizen, Vacharaesorn has kept contact with the Thai community and surprised many by visiting Thailand in 2023.
Since his retirement, he made a number of public appearances, and now, following his ordination, rumors have started that he may be quietly returning to royal life. One report in Vanitatis even hinted that “Vacharaesorn’s return to Bangkok could signal that he is attempting to rewin his father’s favor.”
Why is his ordination important?
In Thai culture, royal males tend to enter monkhood first before assuming public or royal responsibilities. Vacharaesorn’s move to do this, particularly on such a high-profile day, has raised speculation about whether he’s being considered for a more formal position. His growing public exposure and pious references to his father on social media can hint at a possible royal rehabilitation — even as a potential candidate for the throne.
The Complex Legacy of King Rama X
King Maha Vajiralongkorn, also known as Rama X, is 72 now and became king in 2016 after his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s, death. Rama X has been criticized publicly for his personal life and for governing primarily from overseas, particularly Germany. Rama X has married four times and at present holds both a queen and a royal consort — a revival of palace traditions from ancient times.
His reign has been characterized by uncertainty about succession, based on health, complicated family relationships, and ancient male-preference laws.
Royal Children and Marriages
Rama X has four wives:
- Princess Soamsawali (his cousin): One daughter, Princess Bajrakitiyabha
- Sujarinee Vivacharawongse: Four sons (including Vacharaesorn) and one daughter, Princess Sirivannavari. The sons were cut off in 1996
- Sirasmi Suwadee: One son, Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti
- Queen Suthida: No children
His royal partner, Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi, was at one time stripped of her title, later reinstated.
Why is the royal succession in Thailand in doubt?
While Prince Dipangkorn is the sole officially acknowledged male successor, rumors indicate he has developmental issues that could impinge on his capacity to rule. In turn, Vacharaesorn and his brothers are still barred under existing legislation because they were disowned.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha, Rama X’s first-marriage daughter, was once seen as a possible heir — but a coma since 2022 has taken her out of public life. Another daughter, Princess Sirivannavari, is also a royal but not in the official line of succession.
Is Vacharaesorn in line to be groomed for the throne?
Though disinherited some three decades ago, Vacharaesorn’s recent movements, particularly his ordination indicate that he might be in the process of getting back into favor with the monarch. As Vanitatis points out, “In Thailand, it is the tradition for male royals to retreat to a monastery before assuming public roles.” His return at times of importance to the culture and his open praise for his father lend weight to the speculation that he may be positioning himself anew in the royal story, perhaps even as a future heir.
