Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse

Vacharaesorn was born on May 27, 1981. When he was born, he has the rank of "Mom Chao" as Mom Chao Vacharaesorn Mahidol. He is the second son of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Sujarinee Vivacharawongse.

He started his education at Churairat Kindergarten in Bangkok, before attending Chulalongkorn University Demonstration Elementary School from 1987 to 1989, and then Chitralada School. In 1991, he attended Sunningdale School in Berkshire, United Kingdom, where he finished his primary education. Following this, Vacharaesorn and his older brother, Juthavachara, attended Harrow School in London.[8]

However in 1996, he was exiled from Thailand to the United States with his brothers and mother. Along with his brothers he lost his royal titles.[9] After that, he went to study in the United States at Trinity Preparatory School. With an interest in law, he continued his studies for bachelor's and master's degrees at Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, Florida.[10]

On 6 August 2023, Vacharaesorn returned to Thailand after 27 years of exile on an unannounced visit, arriving in Bangkok at Suvarnabhumi airport.[11] On 10 August, he visited several sites around Bangkok, as well as paying tribute to his ancestor Nangklao.[9] The arrival of his younger brother on 12 August, Chakriwat Vivacharawongse, caused him to postpone his departure back to the United States scheduled for 13 August. Together with his brother, they visited Phra Nakhon Si Ayuthaya province on 12 August and Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok on 13 August.[12]

As Princess Bajrakitiyabha remains in a coma, Vajiralongkorn is under pressure to resolve the succession deadlock. It is widely believed that Vacharaesorn will be selected to fill the succession vacuum.[13][14]

Vacharaesorn's first job was selling hot dogs shortly after arriving in the United States in 1996.[8] Vacharaesorn worked as a legal advisor for Maney & Gordon, P.A., a Tampa law firm, at the firm's New York City offices. In addition to regular work, he has established the Thai Heritage Scholarship Fund of New York for Thai students in New York City to encourage Thai students born or educated abroad to remember their home country and make a contribution to the nation.[15]

Vacharaesorn has been a notable promoter of Buddhist and Thai art and culture within the United States, participating in various activities to promote Thai culture in Los Angeles and New York. During the COVID-19 pandemic on 4 April 2020, he encouraged the Thai government to implement policies to support people affected by the pandemic. On 6 August 2023, he posted pictures of his meeting with former German president, Christian Wulff.[8] Following his visit to a New York exhibition, he has called for open discussion on the nation's stringent laws against insulting the royal family.[16]