Thailand's King's Two Sons Return to the United States

After a surprise visit of a few days, the two sons of the King of Thailand returned to the United States, promising to return.

See: The king's second son joined by his little brother in Thailand

Vacharaesorn Vicacharawongse, 42, and Chakriwat Vicacharawongse, 40, the second and third sons of HM King Rama X , said in interviews on Monday, August 14, 2023, before their departure for the United States at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, that they would return to Thailand after 27 years of living abroad.

Vacharaesorn, or Than Aon (Than means Sir), thanked the journalists for coming at night to cover his story.

He spent 7-8 days in Thailand, and his younger brother 3-4 days.

“Since I returned to Thailand, everyone has shown me affection and hospitality.

I had in-depth conversations with Thai people from different lifestyles.

“In this country, our Thai companions taught me a lot,” Vacharaesorn said.

Vacharaesorn arrived in Thailand on August 7 and visited the Slum Children's Care Foundation in Bangkok the following day.

Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse visits the Foundation for the Care of Slum Children

See: King's second son returns to Thailand after 27 years away

In the first interview, he expressed his joy at returning to Thailand for the first time in 27 years.

“It’s like a dream come true.

He also visited many sites, such as the temples of Bangkok and the Ayutthaya Historical Park in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya .

He enjoyed Pad Thai , the iconic Thai dish, and other dishes in Bangkok's Chinatown.

On Sunday, he took the Bangkok BTS Skytrain and said it was cleaner than the New York subway.

Vacharaesorn Vicacharawongse in Bangkok's Skytrain. Photo: KhaoSod

“In New York, a simple citizen like me takes the subway to go to work every day…

“I’m proud that it’s more comfortable in Bangkok,” Than Aon said.

He clearly noticed that Thailand today and that of 27 years ago were different.

The things he was interested in as a child may no longer exist.

Instead, something new was added.

He didn't mean that Thailand is better or worse, but that it is simply changing.

"I believe Thailand will be a country full of hope.

Thai people are optimistic, warm and respectful.

They respect each other.

As Thai people and Thai brothers and sisters, we must respect, listen to and honor each other, regardless of our identity.

Let him who misunderstands the other grant him forgiveness.

“Turn towards each other,” urged Vacharaesorn.

He added that he admired Her Majesty's generosity and hoped that he and his family would return to Thailand in the future.

“In the future, my brothers, my family and I will return to Thailand.

May everyone protect and preserve Thailand as a nation founded on justice, equality, love and unity.

We hope to return soon.

We would like to greet everyone next time.

“Thank you very much,” Vacharaesorn said, taking his brother’s hand.

Chakriwat, or Than Aung, arrived on Sunday and joined his older brother at Siriraj Hospital to pay their respects at the statue of their great-grandfather, Prince Mahidol, and grandfather, King Rama IX .

Chakriwat is a physician by training and lives in New York, while Vacharaesorn works in a law firm in the same city.

Source: KhaoSod English