(TOI Trending Desk) May 27, 2025:
Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse(called Than Oun), King of ThailandMaha 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 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.
DW News, August 11, 2020; CC Liu, Pfc. Sandoval (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly
Thai students protest gov't and monarchy
Thousands of college student protesters in Thailand have rallied in anti-government protests, demanding political change. The rally on August 10 was the biggest in recent months. Protesters are calling for the resignation of military Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who seized power in 2014 in a violent coup and who last year came out ahead in rigged and controversial elections. Protesters are also calling for reform of the untouchable monarchy, a call that's been taboo in Thailand due to strict laws preventing anyone from so much as "insulting" the new king, Maha Vajiralongkorn, or any other royal.
King Rama X (Maha Vajiralongkorn) in a video still putting on heavy crown (AP).
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King officially crowned, boosting regal power
Phra Sivali, arhat monk
Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn was officially crowned Saturday in an elaborate centuries-old royal tradition that last happened seven decades ago.
The coronation represents a renewal of the Thai monarchy's power after the October 2016 death of then Prince Vajiralongkorn's revered father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. It also comes amid more than a decade of political strife, including a 2014 military coup and a contentious election less than two months ago.
PHOTO: In this image made from a video, Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn, center, sits on the throne as he is officially crowned king at the Grand Palace, Saturday, May 4, 2019, in Bangkok, Thailand. Saturday began three days of elaborate centuries-old ceremonies for the formal coronation of Vajiralongkorn, who has been on the throne following the death of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej -- the world's longest reigning monarch -- who died in October 2016 after seven decades on the throne (Thai TV Pool via AP).
The beloved former King Bhumibol (RIP)
) The 66-year-old King Vajiralongkorn has served as king for more than two years since he assumed the throne.
But on Saturday, he took the crown from the chief Brahmin, a Hindu priest who has played a guiding part in the mixed Buddhist-Hindu ceremony, during a televised ritual from the Grand Palace.
The 200-year-old, 16-pound (7.3-kg) heavy crown was handed to the king, now known as Rama X, as part of the third and final rite of the coronation ceremony, the presentation of royal regalia.
Everyone loved the former King Bhumibol
Earlier, the new king wore a simple white robe as he entered a small pavilion where he was briefly showered with water from several holy rivers and ponds and other sources.
Other water was poured on him from old royal water vessels. The rite, known as the Royal Purification Ceremony, took place amid music from drums, conch shells and other instruments. Outside the palace, artillery was fired in a salute to the monarch.
This sucks. I'd rather be a playboy again.
"This ceremony is significant to Thailand because the monarchy... is a very important institution of our country and is the soul of our nation," said Naowarat Buakluan, a 41-year-old civil servant.
"If you ask why the ceremony is being held this year when his majesty has already ascended the throne, it's because this is the right moment. Previously we Thais were mourning the loss of our beloved late king."
King Vajiralongkorn inherits a nation in political turmoil, with the powerful army entrenched in government for five years after staging a coup in 2014.More
Thailand's Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, the questionable son of beloved King Bhumibol, has asked to be allowed to delay ascending to the throne to, he says, observe a period of mourning following the death of his father, modern Thailand's great Buddhist leader, King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
It was expected that the interim parliament would announce Prince Vajiralongkorn's elevation imminently, but Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said the crown prince will occupy the throne when he is ready to do so. From the Grand Palace in Bangkok, CCTV's Tony Cheng has this report.
(CCTV News) Late King of Thailand oversaw widespread development during 70-year reign: King Bhumibol has died at age 88. His reign was marked by great change in Thailand, where the devotion of this Theravada Buddhist land remains a testament to his success.
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What should tourists do in Thailand? (BBC/YouTube) Extended coverage of the death of revered Thai King Bhumibol [poo-me-POM]
Was the king a demigod, a half-human/half-deva (semi-divine) hybrid ruler? (AFP/BBC)
Roi-et Buddhist Temple, Thailand (Sasin Tipchai/Bugphai/flickr.com)
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Enjoy Thailand's beauty and avoid politics.
(BBC) As Thailand is plunged into official mourning by the death of their much-loved King Bhumibol Adulyadej, here's what tourists visiting the popular holiday destination need to know.
Our correspondents say that while Thailand is unlikely to face any immediate disruption or political upheaval, along with the sun cream and guidebooks it is more important than ever to pack a little cultural sensitivity.
The Thai government in the capital Bangkok has announced a one year period of mourning for the whole country. Flags are to fly at half-mast for 30 days and people are asked to avoid "joyful events."
What to wear?
Western tourists are advised to behave respectfully to Thai customs and abide by local laws [in particular the anti-criticism of royals law: Friendly Thailand will imprison anyone who disrespects, criticizes, mocks, or questions the royal family or system]. More
(AJ) Thailand's venerated King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest-reigning monarch, has died at the age of 88, the palace has announced, 10-13-16.
Spontaneous outbursts of emotion, rare in Asia, have been few and far between as the beloved king's death was expected. There was a vigil in effect for the hospitalized 88-year-old (BBC.com).
King Bhumibol Adulyadej (left) with family
This (Theravada) Buddhist king was the world's longest reigning monarch. He was beloved by his people, staying out of politics and war as much as possible. Meanwhile, military coups, business alignments and scandals were brought on by prime ministers and junta generals, which sought his blessing to soothe the people. The law against any kind of criticism of his majesty made him immune to public ridicule. Even an implicit jab or unflattering Facebook post could get one years in prison. Here's the story from the former empire's propaganda arm, the BBC.
Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest-reigning monarch, has died after 70 years as head of state.
The 88-year-old king was widely revered but had been in poor health in recent years, making few public appearances.
He was seen as a stabilizing figure in a country hit by cycles of political turmoil and multiple coups.
Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will be the new monarch, the prime minister has said.
The announcement
The royal Buddhist family tree of Thailand with King Bhumibol on second row (BBC)
After two days of speculation and rumors surrounding the king's deteriorating health, the palace announcement confirming his death finally came early on Thursday evening.
"His majesty has passed away at Siriraj Hospital peacefully," a statement said, adding he had died at 15:52 (08:52 GMT).
In a televised address to the nation, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha said Thailand would hold a one-year mourning period, that flags would fly half-mast and all entertainment functions must be "toned down" for a month.
In a later statement he urged vigilance, saying national security was a top priority.
"Everyone will need to be alert in every region and throughout the country to ensure safety," he said.
The king's death comes as Thailand remains under military rule following a coup in 2014.
A palace official, speaking to crowds outside the hospital, said the body of the king would be moved to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok on Friday.
The people's grief
Visits to Thailand and its many Theravada Buddhist temples are a trip (nattapan72/flickr).
New king: Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn
King Bhumibol was widely respected across Thailand, and thought of by many as semi-divine [deva-human hybrid or demigod, which is the possible origin in the West of the "divine right of kings" concept in that the sky visitors ruled humans then left behind their children with human mothers to rule in their place as regents until their return].
Hundreds of mourners gathered outside the Bangkok hospital where he died, stricken with grief at the news. More
The country and its people promote non-materialistic values and live in harmony. However, by opening their borders, it is opening a Pandora's box. It is now just a matter of time before the flood of Western information and Chinese expansionism corrupts this Buddhist gem. Humans may not be suitable for ruling as Naga ("Dragon") Kings. We make "modern" material and scientific advances, but perhaps at the price of our spirituality and sanity. We envy and are constantly trying to get back to Shangri-la, as the Bhutanese will soon be trying. The American Ron Teaguarden (Dragon Herbs) has already made inroads establishing a company to extract Bhutan's herbal wealth and native medicinal lore. But soon the extraction of its natural resources as large-scale capital commodities begins.
BANGKOK – Thais put aside their political animosity Wednesday to honor the country's ailing monarch on the 60th anniversary of his coronation. His rare public appearance inspired thousands lining the streets to chant "Long Live the King!" The highly revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej emerged in a wheelchair from a Bangkok hospital to preside over the ceremonies. The 82-year-old king, the world's longest reigning monarch, has been hospitalized for the past nine months with what the palace initially described as a lung inflammation. The king made no comment on the paralyzing stalemate between the government and protesters... More>>
(DragonYitzi) A rap performance at the close of a recent vipassana (insight) meditation retreat. The performer is not affiliated with Goenka-ji. More on Vipassana.
CIA rolls out plan to beef up spy techniques WASHINGTON (AP) — The CIA will spend millions of dollars over the next five years to improve intelligence gathering, upgrade technologies and enable analysts to work more closely with spies in the field, under a new plan laid out Monday.
Bad habits can age you by 12 years, study suggests CHICAGO - Four common bad habits combined — smoking, drinking too much, inactivity, and poor diet — can age you by 12 years, sobering new research suggests. The findings are from a study that tracked nearly 5,000 British adults for 20 years...
The last Himalayan Buddhist kingdom, Bhutan, and its king (pictured below) are intent on modernity for this once insular shangri-la (Reuters).
Bhutanmay be derived from the Sanskrit Bhu-Utthan ("highlands"). In another theory of Sanskritization, Bhoṭa-anta means "At the end of Tibet," as Bhutan is immediately to Tibet's south. Historically, the Buddhist kingdom was known by many names, such as Southern Land of Darkness, of the Tsenden cypress, of Four Approaches, and of Medicinal Herbs). See History of Bhutan.
THIMPHU, (India Times) -- With a lightning fast broadband network, a soon-to-be operational IT park, and the recent Genpact deal, Bhutan is well on its way to an IT boom.
The agreement signed between the Bhutan government and leading BPO firm Genpact on June 8, 2009 will help alleviate the unemployment situation in the country, according to Labour and Human Resources Minister Dorji Wangdi.
"It's a major breakthrough for us. We'll need a lot of people trained for the IT sector. Developing an IT-based private sector is part of government policy to make Bhutan a major IT hub," said Labour and Human Resources Ministry Secretary Sonam Tenzin.
According to the agreement, Genpact will recruit 200 Bhutanese graduates every year to be trained and employed in India. After a period of two years, they will return to Bhutan with training and experience in business processes, ranging from call centres to financial services. Dorji said the batch identified by Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) will be sent for training and employment to India. The graduates will also undergo training in communications and analytical and reasoning skills.
This will ensure they are employable not only in the IT sector but other industries as well, said Sonam. Meanwhile, construction on Bhutan's first IT park is expected to be completed in two years. The government is currently establishing a broadband network that will link all 20 districts. According to Communications Minister Nandalal Rai, Bhutan's climatic condition and location are ideal for setting up operation centres. He said that Bhutan's English speaking population would facilitate the development of IT enabled services. Source
Anti-government protesters cheer at a rally at the Government House in Bangkok, Thailand, Saturday night, Aug. 30, 2008. Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej faced mounting pressure to resign Saturday as anti-government protesters occupied his headquarters for a fifth day and disrupted rail and air service in some of the country's most popular tourist destinations (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit).
BANGKOK, Thailand — Thailand's prime minister acknowledged that his administration cannot control spiraling anti-government protests and urged Parliament to find a political solution during an emergency session Sunday.
Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej once again refused to resign as thousands of protesters camped out at his official compound for a sixth day. "I will not bow. I will not step down and I will not resign — despite the pressure mounting on my government," said Samak, speaking in his weekly television program Sunday, hours before the joint session of Parliament.
Samak said his government and the courts were unable to restore calm after they tried and failed to evict the protesters. The crowd size has ranged from 2,000 to about 30,000, and protesters have turned the government's headquarters into a disheveled campground with tents, portable toilets and piles of garbage. "Since the government cannot resolve the problem — even the courts cannot resolve the problem — the joint session of Parliament is the best choice for finding a solution," Samak said.
The prime minister has received the backing of his six-party ruling coalition, which said it would not dissolve parliament to call new elections. More than 1,000 government supporters staged a counter-rally Sunday in front of Parliament, about a half-mile from Government House. The unrest peaked Friday when police fired tear gas to stop thousands of protesters from attacking the city's police headquarters, which is near the prime minister's compound.
In other parts of the country, rail workers joined the protest by halting service on dozens of trains. Protesters forced airports to shut at some of the country's most popular beach destinations.
Phuket airport remained closed Sunday, with protesters blocking the runway for a third day. Authorities said they had no idea when flights would resume. Krabi airport reopened after a two-day closure. Protesters say that Western-style democracy has allowed corruption to flourish and they want a new government with a parliament in which most of the lawmakers are appointed and only 30% elected.
The protest organizers, the People's Alliance for Democracy, accuse Samak's government of corruption and of serving as a proxy for ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was deposed in a 2006 coup. Thaksin was banned from public office until 2012 and recently fled to self-imposed exile in Britain to escape an array of corruption charges.
Samak led Thaksin's political allies to a December 2007 election victory, and their assumption of power triggered fears that Thaksin would make a political comeback on the strength of his continued popularity with Thailand's rural majority.
Samak had requested a Saturday meeting with Thailand's revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej at his seaside palace in Hua Hin, south of the capital, Bangkok. There was no immediate confirmation from either Samak or the palace on whether the meeting took place. Bhumibol is a constitutional monarch with no formal political role, but he has repeatedly brought calm in times of turbulence during his 60 years on the throne.
An anti-government protester cheers in front a billboard denouncing ousted Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Potjaman Shinawatra in the Royal Plaza in Bangkok, Thailand, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2008. Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej faced mounting pressure to resign Saturday as anti-government protesters occupied his headquarters for a fifth day and disrupted rail and air service in some of the country's most popular tourist destinations (AP Photo/Vincent Yu).
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