There have been rumours for a couple of years that this was the case, especially when she was rumoured to be engaged, but so far no proof. It makes sense that she would succeed her father though for various reasons.
I believe once the princess completed all her trainings and things are settled, she will be officially made heir apparent to the throne just like how the current king was made Crown Prince of Thailand in 1972.This information is interesting. If so, will the Royal Family do anything to make this change official?
We’re not but, as far as I remember, no report was made to indicate deterioration of the Queen Mother’s mental capacities. After all these years, she was just in such a poor health and frail state but fully conscious of what is going on.Are we sure that the queen-mother is still in a position to intervene/arrange anything? We haven't seen her for years apparently because among others her mental capacities aren't what they were before.
The king has 5 sons and 2 daughters. Dipangkorn is his youngest child (by his third wife). His 4 older sons (by his second wife) live in the USA and apparently are not in touch with their father after their banishment; although their (full) younger sister (Sirivannavari Nariratana) returned to Thailand and is very much part of the Thai royal family.Indeed quite interesting. I always thought that the King's son would be the heir apparent as his only son (though I must confess that Princess Bajrakitiyabha is the most "capable" of all the King's children, she seems very devoted to perform royal duties).
Considering that she is 42 years old, is the Princess really engaged? Or was that just a rumor? But, if she really becomes the Crown Princess, it will be very interesting. Perhaps it will give a boost of popularity of the Monarchy in Thailand.
Indeed quite interesting. I always thought that the King's son would be the heir apparent as his only son (though I must confess that Princess Bajrakitiyabha is the most "capable" of all the King's children, she seems very devoted to perform royal duties).
Considering that she is 42 years old, is the Princess really engaged? Or was that just a rumor? But, if she really becomes the Crown Princess, it will be very interesting. Perhaps it will give a boost of popularity of the Monarchy in Thailand.
I do know about that. I said "only son" because he is the only son eligible for the throne since the others were banished by their father...The king has 5 sons and 2 daughters. Dipangkorn is his youngest child (by his third wife). His 4 older sons (by his second wife) live in the USA and apparently are not in touch with their father after their banishment; although their (full) younger sister (Sirivannavari Nariratana) returned to Thailand and is very much part of the Thai royal family.
There were pictures released of the Princess, the Colonel and the King that were retracted only a few hours later so I don't think it was only rumours but obviously something happened behind the closed doors of the palace.A couple of years ago there were rumours, partly from journalist Andrew McGregor that she was engaged to Colonel Paritat Bunnag but nothing was ever announced anywhere.
There are also rumours that Prince Dipangkorn has health problems but again nothing is confirmed at all.
I believe once the princess completed all her trainings and things are settled, she will be officially made heir apparent to the throne just like how the current king was made Crown Prince of Thailand in 1972.
I wonder, if the King dies suddenly, who will reign? He doesn't have an official heir (as of now), but the son (being a boy) takes precedence, right?
I would assume that king's son becomes new king automatically. Of course if he is underage there is regency. But not sure who would be regent.
It will be interesting to see what happens in the next few years. The King is 69 years old and sooner or later he will have to announce who will be his successor.
Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti will turn 17. Will he be recognized as crown prince when he turns 20 like his father did?
Or will King Rama X's successor be his daughter Princess Bajrakitiyabha?
The latter had been expected but unfortunately, given her condition (i.e., she is most likely brain death) that seems no longer a possibility.
This journalist suspects that one of the king's other sons (he suggests the second; not sure why he would be more likely than the eldest) will have to be taken back as his youngest son is unfit and his only other HRH-daughter is unpopular/hated and therefore not credible.
I also just now read this on Andrew MacGregor Marshall's twitter.
He speaks of Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, one of the exiled sons of the King.
The unexpected passing of Princess Bajrakitiyabha surely will have a profound effect on the possible succession, and the Thai royal family and government will have to deal with that in the coming months. King Vajiralongkorn is 70 years old now.
There's very little information available on the internet about the king's 4 older sons who evidently reside in America, and haven't been considered to be in the line of succession. I wonder if that may change now. What are their marital statuses, ages, and do any of them have children of their own ? I wonder if they have any interest in the succession, and what do the Thai people think of them.
About 2 years ago this same journalist wrote the following article about Thai succession.
I think Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya could also be a chance to succeed the current king. It must be the best chance for the survival of the monarchy.
Even if it means turning to one of the cadet houses in the Chakri Dynasty (such as the Yugalas) in the event that the Mahidol House becomes extinct.
Why is Princess Sirivanavari hated?The latter had been expected but unfortunately, given her condition (i.e., she is most likely brain death) that seems no longer a possibility.
This journalist suspects that one of the king's other sons (he suggests the second; not sure why he would be more likely than the eldest) will have to be taken back as his youngest son is unfit and his only other HRH-daughter is unpopular/hated and therefore not credible.
I looked at the article and was shocked the the Queen Mother, was so insistent of her branch ruling the family and King Rama X constantly badly behaving. I see why there are issues but I won’t completely agree with people with certain sympathies (ideologies) that don’t completely understand the traditional political and social life of other countries.You might want to read this lengthy article that I posted yesterday for answers to your questions about the king's older sons that were excluded at the 'order' of the king's mother, queen Sirikit.
The difference is that the cadet branches can succeed to throne in Thailand whereas the Japanese royals junior branches were removed following WWII and cannot succeed. Plus the behaviors of members of the Thai dynasty (particularly the current King) vs the Japanese royals.I's interesting to compare the Thailand situation with so many royal relatives vs the situation in Japan and the very reduced imperial family.
Why is Princess Sirivanavari hated?
I know she has a fashion brand and all, but I hadn’t realized that taxpayers subsidized her brand. Wow! Other than her father, she’s not well-liked from what you’ve said. But I really wonder why some people don’t like Princess Sirindhorn, (Princess Royal), she seems dutiful and dedicatedSee post #112 in this thread.
Any update?