Thailand Princess Srirasmi Abdicates Title, No Longer A Princess

The mighty will fall in the most mysterious ways.

The Daily Mail is reporting that Thailand’s Princess Srirasmi has asked for, and received, official permission from Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej to abdicate her title of princess, effectively divorcing her husband of 13 years, Prince Maja Vajirahlongkorn, the heir apparent to the Thai throne.

The split and subsequent removal of Srirasmi as princess further deepens the country’s fears concerning the strength of the monarchy, with King Bhumibol at 87 years of age, and potential heir Prince Maja at age 62.

Bhumibol, the world’s longest serving monarch, has been hospitalized and in poor health for some time with a string of maladies, which kept him from his national birthday celebration on December 5. Military forces on May 22 seized power after months of protests to, in their words, protect the monarchy and restore order within Thailand.

Srirasmi and Maja have a nine-year-old son, who was thought to be then next in line of succession behind Maja. This separation could possibly destroy that line.

“This announcement will add a greater sense of uncertainty and anxiety among Thais over the future of their monarchy — not just with the current generation, but with later generations too,” Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a Thai expert at Japan’s Kyoto University said.

Yahoo! News is reporting that Sriramsi, 43, gave no official reason for the request, but the request did follow numerous arrests in what is considered a high-profile corruption scandal.

Thailand has in place strict lese majeste laws, which carry a penalty of up to 15 years for anyone defaming the monarchy, which does impede local, national or international media based in Thailand from reporting freely.

Srirasmi’s request came as no surprise, especially since Prince Maja recently asked for the government to strip some of Srirasmi’s family, including her uncle, of their royal surname after allegations of bribery, extortion and using the royal surname “Akkharapongpricha” for personal benefit came to light. At least three of Srirasmi’s relatives have been arrested.

Several high-ranking policemen and military officials have been named in the inquiry. One of Thailand’s wealthiest persons has been named, as well, and his whereabouts are currently unknown.

The probe itself has netted over 20 arrests, with charges including different ways they defamed the monarchy. These people made false claims about how they were related to the royal family, which allowed them to commit many crimes, such as running illegal casinos, oil smuggling, kidnapping, and extortion.

Srirasmi has now been given the title “Thanpuying,” the highest title a commoner can earn, to replace the title of princess.

[Image courtesy of AP/Daily Mail]