Thailand King’s Second Son Makes Surprise Return After 27 Years

The second-eldest son of Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn visited a child-care centre for underprivileged families during a surprise visit to the kingdom, the first time he has been back in his homeland in 27 years.

The trip by Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, 42, comes at a fraught time for the Thai royal family, with the monarch’s eldest daughter in a coma since December.

Vacharaesorn, who works at a law firm in New York, visited the Foundation for Slum Child Care, which is supported by the royal family, and greeted well-wishers.

“I am delighted to return … I have been away for a long time, 27 years. It is like a dream come true to be back,” Vacharaesorn told reporters at the Bangkok foundation.

The Royal Palace has not commented on the visit. The Palace Household Bureau did not respond to requests for comment.

Those who saw Vacharaesorn were impressed.

“I am very moved, he has been away for a long time. To me he is still a member of the royal family,” said Angsana Seeprasit, 66.

Vacharaesorn is the second of four sons of King Vajiralongkorn’s second wife, Sujarinee Vivacharawongse, a former actress whom the then-Crown Prince divorced in 1996.

He has no formal royal title though he technically retains a status bestowed when he was a child as a grandson of a monarch.

REUTERS/AISHA