From Palace to Prison: The Tragic Tale of Thailand’s Former Queen
The Eccentric King and His Former Queen
King Rama X of Thailand has long been dubbed the “most eccentric modern monarch” by the press, partly due to his penchant for public appearances in crop tops and low-rise jeans, an unusual sight for a man in his seventies. In 2019, aside from ascending the throne, a significant event marked King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s life: his fourth marriage to Suthida Tidjai, a former flight attendant turned general and princess. However, today’s focus is not on her, but on her predecessor, Princess Consort Srirasmi Suwadee.
From Princess to Prisoner
A few years ago, the German publication Bild released photos of the former princess that were nothing short of shocking. The images depicted a bald woman avoiding the camera’s gaze, a stark contrast to her former self who once captivated the world. Srirasmi was the official wife from 2001, but their love story began years earlier when the 22-year-old Suwadee entered the service of the then-heir apparent as a lady-in-waiting.
On February 10, 2001, the couple tied the knot. The prince, previously married twice and with children from his former wives, expressed his desire to settle down, stating that at 50, he should have a complete family. Four years and three days later, the couple announced they were expecting a child. Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti was born via C-section and became the prince’s only legitimate heir. The four older sons from his second marriage were stripped of their titles, forbidden to bear their father’s surname, and banned from entering the kingdom for life.
Two of a Kind
Next to Maha, known for his eccentric behavior and appearance, Srirasmi seemed quiet and gentle. But appearances can be deceiving! In reality, Suwadee was no less eccentric than her husband. She gained notoriety for her attire at a 2009 party where she appeared in nothing but a G-string. This was not a private affair; the royal couple was entertaining friends and dancing to George Michael’s hit “Careless Whisper.”
To better understand this duo, consider that the party was thrown to celebrate the birthday of a significant royal family member—a poodle named Foo Foo. Surprised? There’s more: the curly-haired pet was the Marshal of the Thai Air Force, an official title. Foo Foo participated in important events alongside high-ranking officials. After his death, the country observed a four-day mourning period.
A Thai Divorce
Five years after the notorious nude party, Srirasmi stunned the nation by renouncing her royal title. Media reports suggest this drastic step followed a scandal involving her family members. Her parents, older sister, brother-in-law, two brothers, and a nephew were accused of corruption, patronizing the gambling business, and smuggling. All were convicted and sent to prison. Srirasmi’s punishment, however, was far more severe.
The King’s Cruelty
Losing her title was just the beginning of Srirasmi’s misfortunes. Her former husband decided to send her into lifelong exile, granting her a mere five minutes to bid farewell to her son. A rare photo circulating online shows a heart-wrenching scene: a woman sitting on the ground, embracing her child. According to royal etiquette, a mother stripped of her title cannot stand above her prince son. However, the young heir, deeply attached to his mother, refused to stand above her. They sat, tightly embracing, while guards stood nearby, ready to separate them forever.
The prince rarely sees his father either. After his parents’ divorce, he was sent to a boarding school in Munich, where he continues to live and study. Meanwhile, his mother endures conditions that can hardly be called humane. All these years, Srirasmi has been living in Ratchaburi province, known as the “City of Kings” and famous for its ancient monuments. However, her dwelling is far from the picturesque image. Her two-story house appears to have been hit by both a hurricane and an earthquake. There are minimal amenities, no electricity, and no one to fix the leaking roof. According to Bild journalists, the toilet and bathroom were deliberately destroyed, and a crudely built outhouse with a cesspit was placed outside.
By the king’s order, the door of this “bathroom” bears a mocking sign that roughly translates to: “I hope you are as comfortable here as you were in the palace.” Moreover, before confining his former wife, the king ordered the trees around the house to be cut down, depriving her of shade, and allowed a pack of stray dogs to roam the yard.
This story is unlikely to have a happy ending. The king’s cruelty shocks not only Europeans but also the Thais, who are accustomed to his antics. Yet, no one dares to object to their ruler.
Once a Happy Couple
Maha Vajiralongkorn and Srirasmi Suwadee were once a happy couple, but their story took a tragic turn, leaving the former princess in dire conditions and the prince growing up far from his mother.
For further reading on the prince’s life, you can visit this authoritative source.
