In his teenage years, Prince Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, the second son of Thailand's current king, bore witness to the unmistakable disdain his father held for him. More than just being banished from the country alongside his siblings, "Vach" (pronounced "Vatch") faced further rejection when his mercurial father, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, refused to cover his school expenses at Harrow. Adding to the complex familial dynamics, his half-sister, Princess Bajrakitiyabha, from a subsequent marriage, was designated heir apparent, eclipsing his own position following a series of internal disputes within the Thai royal court.
Vach's journey took him across continents, as he relocated to the United States to pursue a career in law, where he even resorted to selling vacuum cleaners door-to-door to make ends meet. However, a dramatic twist of fate transpired last December, when Princess Bajrakitiyabha suffered a suspected massive brain aneurysm while walking her dog. Though not officially confirmed by the palace, widespread belief suggests she now remains in an irreversible coma.
Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, 42, the second-eldest son of Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn
A recent weekend brought forth astonishing social media footage that marked Vach's return to Bangkok airport after nearly thirty years of absence. This pivotal moment in his life was later validated through his participation in an official visit to a children's charity in the Thai capital. Speaking to reporters, Vach expressed his delight at being back after such a prolonged hiatus and likened the experience to a dream come true.
Vach, recognized for his progressive and reform-oriented outlook, has ignited fervent discussions throughout Thailand. Ordinary citizens are moved to tears by the prospect of a liberal and American-educated lawyer, known to be friendly with former German President Christian Wulff, ascending to the throne in contrast to the regressive tendencies seen during King Vajiralongkorn's rule.
However, the speculative discourse remains confined to informal conversations, given the country's stringent "lèse-majesté" regulations. These rules, enforced by a judiciary effectively influenced by the military following a coup in 2014, forbid any form of critique or even jest about the monarch, punishable by up to 15 years of imprisonment. A case in point is the ban on a new book titled "Rama X: The Thai Monarchy under King Vajiralongkorn," revealing the extent of the palace's sensitivity to criticism.
Vach's return coincides with a pivotal period for King Vajiralongkorn, who, following Princess Bajrakitiyabha's hospitalization, faces a unique political challenge. An anti-establishment and anti-royal political party's significant electoral victory earlier this year has been instrumental in amplifying the calls to curtail the royal family's unchecked power. The king's extravagant behaviors and eccentricities have been widely reported over the past half-decade, contributing to the party's appeal.
Despite stringent local regulations, stories of the king's extravagant behavior continue to circulate online. These accounts include allegations of acquiring numerous personal jets, reserving entire floors of foreign hotels for extended periods, and even causing injuries to family members through unconventional behavior.
The opposition party's electoral gains and subsequent coalition formation have met opposition from the senate, primarily composed of royal and military appointments. Negotiations persist, potentially leading to an anti-democratic minority administration.
In this context, Prince Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse's return bears the hallmarks of a remarkable development. An intriguing Facebook post where he shared a quote criticizing the regime's attack on democracy suggests his inclination towards reform.
While the path forward remains uncertain, Andrew MacGregor Marshall, a former Reuters bureau chief with connections within Thailand's elite circles, offers cautious optimism. He speculates that Vach might eventually face challenges from the entrenched military and establishment figures that continue to wield significant control over the nation's affairs.
Amidst the intrigue and uncertainty, a clear shift is evident, suggesting that Vach's potential ascension to the throne could herald significant reforms. In a country brimming with stories of regal excesses and constrained by authoritarian regulations, Prince Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse's unexpected return provides a glimmer of hope for change on the horizon.