King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) and Queen Suthida are making history with only the second state visit of their reign. Accompanying them is Princess Sirivannavari, one of the king’s daughters, whose prominent role throughout the trip has once again drawn attention to questions surrounding Thailand’s royal succession following the recent death of Princess Bajrakitiyabha, who had long been viewed as the monarchy’s de facto heir.
While the official heir remains Crown Prince Dipangkorn, Thai media have reported that he does not enjoy the same level of support to eventually succeed the king, who is traditionally regarded as a semi-divine figure in Thailand. Against the backdrop of glittering state banquets, historic diamonds, and the grandeur of the Élysée Palace, the visit has become one of the most closely watched royal engagements in Europe in recent years.
The Splendor of Thailand’s Monarchy
Just days ago, an impressive motorcade escorted King Rama X and Queen Suthida into the French capital, marking the beginning of what many have described as one of the most extraordinary state visits in recent memory. French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron welcomed the royal couple at the Élysée Palace, where Queen Suthida and Princess Sirivannavari showcased elegant silk gowns that paid tribute to Thailand’s rich cultural heritage.
The visit reached one of its most memorable moments during the state banquet honoring members of the Chakri dynasty. As she had during the official welcome ceremony, Princess Sirivannavari attracted significant attention throughout the evening.
© DIMITAR DILKOFFThe trip comes at a particularly sensitive time for the Thai royal family, which remains in mourning following the death of Princess Bajrakitiyabha. The king’s eldest daughter passed away just two weeks ago after spending more than three years in a coma.
Her death has reignited longstanding questions about Thailand’s future succession. Although the official heir is one of the king’s sons, some observers believe the situation may not be as settled as it appears.
King Rama X has seven recognized children. Three remain within the royal family, while four sons from his previous marriage were stripped of their royal status and disowned after the king accused their mother, former actress Sujarinee Vivacharawongse, of adultery.
Thailand’s succession is governed by the 1924 Palace Law of Succession, which outlines who may inherit the throne and establishes several qualifications. Among them, the heir must be male, accepted by both the Thai people and the royal family, free of serious illness or a criminal record, and not descended from someone excluded from the line of succession.
© Antoine Gyori – CorbisThailand’s Constitution, however, differs from the 1924 law by allowing a woman to inherit the throne if there is no eligible male heir, provided Parliament approves the succession.
Because of this, some have suggested that Princess Sirivannavari could eventually emerge as a potential candidate. Crown Prince Dipangkorn has long been the subject of speculation regarding his ability to lead the monarchy, with unconfirmed reports alleging that he has an intellectual disability.
For many years, Princess Bajrakitiyabha was widely regarded as the most likely future monarch and had been prepared for that role. Her death has upended those expectations and intensified uncertainty surrounding the future of the Thai monarchy.
© HENRIQUE CAMPOSAgainst that backdrop, Princess Sirivannavari’s highly visible role in Paris may carry greater significance than simply accompanying her father on an official visit.
Even so, it is far too early to conclude that she will become the next heir. Local media have also reported that some of the king’s previously estranged sons could eventually be reinstated to help preserve the royal line.
Those sons were born during King Rama X’s marriage to Sujarinee Vivacharawongse. After accusing his wife of adultery, the king revoked both her royal status and that of their children, stripping them of their titles and diplomatic privileges.
© Antoine Gyori – CorbisOf the five children from that marriage, Princess Sirivannavari was the only one not disowned. The king brought her back from England to Thailand when she was still a child, and she has gradually become one of the royal family’s most prominent and trusted members.
A Final Day in Paris
As the state visit draws to a close, the Thai royal family has chosen to celebrate one of Princess Sirivannavari’s greatest passions: fashion.
King Rama X and Queen Suthida visited the La Mode en Majesté exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, highlighting the cultural ties between Thailand and France. Once again, Princess Sirivannavari played a visible role in the day’s events, reflecting not only her position within the royal family but also her successful career as a fashion designer.
© Royal Thai OfficeThe visit also marks an important milestone for King Rama X’s reign. It is only his second state visit as monarch, following an earlier trip to Bhutan. This first official visit to Europe represents a significant step for a monarchy that has often been viewed as relatively isolated since the beginning of his reign.
At the same time, the question of succession continues to linger in the background, making Princess Sirivannavari’s growing international profile all the more closely watched.
Read the full article here
