King Vajiralongkorn’s estranged son visits Thailand

King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s estranged second oldest son, Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, has unexpectedly visited Thailand for the first time in almost 30 years.

Vacharaesorn is the second of four sons of the King and his second wife, Yuvadhida Polpraserth. He also has a full sister. His parents were married in 1994 and later divorced. After the divorce, his mother moved the children to the United Kingdom and then to the United States. Vacharaesorn’s sister was taken back to Thailand and is currently known as Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya. Vacharaesorn and his brothers do not hold a royal title. He also has an older half-sister, Princess Bajrakitiyabha, who has been comatose since last December, and a younger half-brother, Prince Dipangkorn.

Vacharaesorn visited a daycare centre in Bangkok, where he told reporters, “I am delighted to return to Thailand; I have been warmly welcomed. I have been away for a long time, 27 years. It is like a dream come true to be back here.”