Latest news with #Vanitatis
News18
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
As Estranged Son Of Thailand King Becomes Buddhist Monk, Succession Debate Continues
Last Updated: Vacharaesorn, who was exiled in 1996, returned to Thailand in 2023. Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, the estranged son of Thailand's King Rama X, has posted a series of images on Instagram, showing his recent ordination as a Buddhist monk. The ceremony, which took place in Bangkok on Vesak Day — one of the most sacred days in Buddhism — was highly visible and far from discreet. The 43-year-old's decision to take monastic vows has led to growing speculation about Thailand's unresolved royal succession. Many observers believe his actions may signal an attempt to reconnect with the royal establishment or position himself differently in the public eye. Vivacharawongse's ordination has reignited public discussion and speculation over the question of Thailand's royal succession and who may eventually ascend to the throne. Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse: Who is he? Vacharaesorn, born in 1981, is the second son of Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) and his former wife, Sujarinee Vivacharawongse, a former actress previously known as Yuvadhida Polpraserth. In 1996, following a royal fallout, Vacharaesorn, his mother, and three brothers were exiled and subsequently raised in the United States. Although Vacharaesorn spent much of his life overseas and lived outside royal circles, he has maintained strong ties with the Thai community. Since his unexpected return to Thailand in 2023, he has made several public appearances, sparking renewed public interest. His recent ordination as a Buddhist monk has further intensified speculation that he may be paving the way for a possible return to royal life. According to a report by Vanitatis, his presence in Bangkok could be a strategic move to win back the favour of his father, King Rama X. With four marriages and the rare practice of officially having both a queen and a royal consort, he has revived some of the monarchy's traditional customs. However, concerns around his age, health, and complex family situation have cast uncertainty over who will eventually succeed him. Thailand's succession laws prioritise male heirs, but King Rama X's only officially recognised son, Prince Dipangkorn, is reported to have a developmental condition that could affect his capacity to rule. Meanwhile, the majority of Rama X's other sons—including Vacharaesorn—were stripped of their royal titles back in 1996, further complicating the line of succession.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Thailand King's disowned son makes surprising return as Buddhist monk, sparking speculation about royal comeback
Source: Instagram Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, one of the disowned sons of Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X), has been ordained as a Buddhist monk in Bangkok, marking a significant and symbolic return to public life. His ordination took place on Vesak Day — a major Buddhist holiday celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha. The event was widely shared on his official Instagram, drawing public attention and sparking speculation about his potential reintegration into royal circles. Though once stripped of royal status, Vacharaesorn's visible spiritual gesture has led many to question whether this could signal a path back to royal favour. Who is Thailand King's disowned son Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse Vacharaesorn, whose Thai nickname is "Than Oun," is the second son of King Rama X and former mistress Sujarinee Vivacharawongse (formerly actress Yuvadhida Polpraserth). Vacharaesorn was born in 1981 and was banished together with his mother and siblings in 1996 after a public rift with the royal family. Since then, he has resided as a private citizen of the United States, practicing law and living a relatively low-key existence. In recent years, though — especially after his unexpected return to Thailand in 2023 — he has become increasingly visible on the public and cultural scene, frequently mingling with the Thai community in Bangkok and elsewhere. His ordination, thus, is not merely a private religious landmark. It is generally seen as a potential move towards re-establishing him in royal ranks. Thai tradition and spiritual significance In Thai tradition, male members of the royal family traditionally retreat to monastic life, especially prior to taking on public or political roles. This is based on Buddhist principles of humility, self-control, and religious merit — virtues demanded of future leaders. Vacharaesorn's ordination on Vesak Day, a day to mark the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha, has such strong cultural and spiritual significance. That his ordination has taken place in public — disseminated through social media — has not escaped attention. Analysts consider it could be a calculated indication he is being surreptitiously brought back into royal business. As per Spanish publication Vanitatis, the return to religious life can be an effort to restore King Rama X's favor and potentially place him in the middle of Thailand's disputed royal succession. King Rama X's family and reign King Maha Vajiralongkorn, or Rama X, took the throne in 2016 after his father, the highly respected King Bhumibol Adulyadej, died. Rama X, now 72 years of age, has had a reign characterized by drama and personal intrigue, frequently doing royal work out of Germany, where he spends most of the year. He has been married four times, kept a queen and a royal consort, and has children with more than one partner — all of which are currently causing the line of succession to be unclear. Rama X's children cross several relationships: Princess Soamsawali (his cousin): One daughter, Princess Bajrakitiyabha Sujarinee Vivacharawongse: Four sons, including Vacharaesorn, and one daughter, Princess Sirivannavari. The sons were disowned in 1996. Srirasmi Suwadee: One son, Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti Queen Suthida: No children He also has a royal consort, Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi, whose royal title was briefly stripped and then restored. Why is Thailand's royal succession in question The succession crisis is both legal and psychological. Thai law favours male succession, but the king's only officially sanctioned son, Prince Dipangkorn, is said to be afflicted with a developmental disorder, which poses questions about his ability to effectively govern. In the meantime, Princess Bajrakitiyabha, a possible heir, has been in coma since 2022, after a sudden medical emergency. Her condition is still uncertain, with no significant public report on her status. While Princess Sirivannavari performs royal functions and has official rank, she is not in the line of succession under existing law — unless female succession becomes allowed under the rules, which the monarch has not sought. That puts the future of the throne in limbo, with Vacharaesorn's return and ordination into the clergy now potentially a strategic move. Vacharaesorn's gradual return to the royal family Even formally deposed of his royal rank some twenty-nine years ago, Vacharaesorn's recent behaviour and growing prominence imply an unofficial rehabilitation process under way. His public show of deference to his father, involvement in national and cultural affairs, and now ordination, all indicate a slow process of reintegration. Thai commentators point out that within royal tradition, returning from exile by deeds of religious devotion has precedents in the past. If Prince Dipangkorn, in the end, is found to be unsuitable to reign, and no female succession is provided for through constitutional amendment, Vacharaesorn — although illegitimate — might find himself as a reasonable candidate for succession, particularly if backed by royal mandate. Vacharaesorn's role amid monarchy's challenges The symbolism and timing of Vacharaesorn's return is also important. At a time when the Thai monarchy is beset by internal instability and international criticism, the return of a discarded royal son to a visible and culturally symbolic role implies there is some deeper strategic rationale at play. Whether formally reinstated or not, Vacharaesorn's ordination serves as a reminder that the Thai royal succession is still an open issue — one determined not just by blood, but by public perception, cultural orthodoxy, and political determination. Also Read | Annabelle doll missing! Rumors of haunted disappearance spark internet frenzy and local panic in Louisiana; 'Where is it now?'
Hindustan Times
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Disowned son of Thailand king becomes a Buddhist monk, renewing succession drama
Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, one of the disowned sons of Thailand's King Rama X, has shared a series of Instagram photos showing his ordination as a Buddhist monk in Bangkok. The ceremony, held on Vesak Day – a major Buddhist holiday – was not a quiet affair. The 43-year-old posted multiple photos of his ordination, hinting that the move may have royal backing and deeper implications for Thailand's uncertain royal succession. The ordination of Vivacharawongse, commonly referred to as Than Oun, has renewed the debate around who will become Thailand's next king. Vacharaesorn is the second son of King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) and his former wife, actress-turned-royal Sujarinee Vivacharawongse (formerly Yuvadhida Polpraserth). Born in 1981, Vacharaesorn was raised in the United States after being exiled from the Thai royal family in 1996, along with his mother and three brothers. Despite growing up abroad and living as a civilian, he has remained connected to the Thai community and has increasingly appeared in public events since his surprise return to Thailand in 2023. Now, his ordination has added fuel to speculation that he may be preparing for a royal comeback. According to a report in Vanitatis, Vacharaesorn's return to Bangkok could indicate that he is trying to regain his father's favour. King Maha Vajiralongkorn, now 72, ascended to the Thai throne in 2016 following the death of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Known formally as Rama X, he has had a turbulent personal life and an often controversial reign, largely conducted from abroad - primarily in Germany. He has been married four times and is known for maintaining both a queen and a royal consort, reviving centuries-old palace traditions. His health, age, and complicated family dynamics have thrown the royal succession into question. Rama X has had four wives: Princess Soamsawali (his cousin): One daughter, Princess Bajrakitiyabha Sujarinee Vivacharawongse (formerly actress Yuvadhida): Four sons and one daughter (Princess Sirivannavari). The sons were disowned in 1996. Srirasmi Suwadee: One son, Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti Queen Suthida: No children He also has a royal consort, Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi, whose title was once stripped but later restored. Thailand laws of succession prioritise male heirs, but King Rama X's only officially recognised son, Prince Dipangkorn, is believed to suffer from a developmental condition that may hinder his ability to rule. Meanwhile, most of Rama X's other sons, including Vacharaesorn, were stripped of their royal titles in 1996. Princess Bajrakitiyabha, his eldest child from his first marriage, was once seen as a potential heir - if the king chose to rewrite the laws that don't allow a woman on the throne. However, she has been in a coma since 2022, with little information on her condition. The king's other daughter, Princess Sirivannavari, lives in Thailand and has royal status but is not currently in the official line of succession. While Vacharaesorn was officially cut off from the royal line nearly three decades ago, his recent actions suggest a quiet rehabilitation. In Thailand, it is customary for male royals to spend time in a monastery before taking on public duties, according to Vanitatis. Many observers see his ordination as a signal that he may be in the process of being reinstated. His public praise of his father on social media, along with his prominent return during important cultural and religious moments, further suggests he may be re-entering the royal fold—possibly even as a contender for the throne.
Hindustan Times
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Royal controversy: Princess Caroline of Monaco wears blackamoor brooch with racist past
Princess Caroline of Monaco has come under fire from a section of the internet for wearing a blackamoor brooch to an art exhibition. The European royal attended the opening of an exhibition at the Monte-Carlo Casino in a black dress. Pinned to the dress was a brooch depicting the bust of a black man – an example of blackamoor jewellery that is controversial for its racist overtones. Caroline, the hereditary Princess of Monaco and Princess of Hanover by her marriage to Prince Ernst August, has been accused of glorifying Europe's colonial past with her choice of jewellery, reported EDA TV. A post shared by GrimaldiCasiraghi (@grimaldicasiraghi) The 68-year-old Princess Caroline wore the blackamoor brooch to the Monte-Carlo Casino last week for an event honouring French painter and sculptor Marcel Duchamp. She was accompanied by her daughter Alexandra and Alexandra's boyfriend, Ben Sylvester Strautmann. Blackamoor jewellery refers to decorative art and adornments – most often brooches, earrings, or figurines – that depict stylised African or Moorish figures. These figures are often depicted in servile poses and crafted from materials like ebony, onyx, or dark enamel. According to a report in Spanish entertainment portal Vanitatis, blackamoor jewellery became popular during the 16th and 19th centuries. This type of jewellery was once very common, but has fallen into disfavour for its racial connotations and stereotypical portrayals of people of colour. Critics argue that blackamoor images were not intended to reflect real individuals, but rather to serve as symbols of wealth, conquest, and dominance of the Eurocentric gaze. As such, blackamoor figures were typically shown in submissive or ornamental roles. The brooch worn by Princess Caroline likely belonged to her mother, Grace Kelly, who – according to Vanitatis – commissioned a piece from jeweler Giulio Nardi. Despite the criticism it has received, several European royals have been photographed wearing examples of blackamoor jewellery. Most recently, Princess Michael of Kent wore a blackamoor brooch to a Christmas banquet at Buckingham Palace in 2017. She later apologized for wearing it. Queen Paola of Belgium, Ingrid Bergman, and Elizabeth Taylor have all been known to own pieces of blackamoor jewellery.
