Thursday, May 29, 2025

Will Buddhist monk be king of Thailand?


Thailand king’s disowned son returns as a Buddhist monk, sparking speculation about royal comeback
As a lawyer, I mean a monk...
(TOI Trending Desk) May 27, 2025: Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse (called Than Oun), King of Thailand Maha Vajiralongkorn's son [living as a lawyer in the USA], becomes a Theravada Buddhist monk, signaling a return to the politics of the royal family.

This event has sparked discussions about his possible return to the royal family. Once estranged, his monastic ordination on Vesak Day 2025 has garnered a great deal of attention. For it raises questions about succession.

Temporary ordination in Thailand is a rite of passage, not a lifelong commitment
Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, second son of Thai King Rama X (Getty Images)
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The King and I (Yul Brynner, 1954)
Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse is one of the disowned sons of Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X), has been ordained as a Theravada Buddhist monk in Bangkok, Thailand, 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 passing of the historical Buddha.

The event was widely shared on Than Oun’s 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 favor.

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