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The King of Thailand reinstated the royal companion, about a year after he decided to take away the titles.
King Wajiralongorn again bestowed the titles and rank of Sininat Wongvatzirapakdi, the palace announced. The woman had fallen from grace in October 2019, just a few months after she was proclaimed royal mistress.
The palace later said that Wongvatzirapakdi was being punished for trying to rise “to the same level” as the Queen of Thailand. He was also accused of “disobedience and lack of loyalty to the king.”
The 35-year-old is the first royal mistress after nearly a century in Thailand. She initially worked as a nurse before beginning her relationship with then-Prince Wajiralongorn. Eventually, she became a bodyguard, pilot, and paratrooper and joined the Royal Guard. In early 2019, she became a general.
In July last year, she received the title of first royal companion, shortly after the king’s marriage to Queen Sudita. Although Thai monarchs over the centuries had many royal wives or companions, the title had not been used since 1932. Just a few months later, in a surprise move, the Thai monarch stripped her of her title and position.
The King of Thailand restored his royal companion (EPA photo source)
Last year’s ruling recalled the fate of two of King Waziralongorn’s former wives. In 1996, the monarch gave up his second wife, who fled to the United States, while giving up the four children he had with her.
In 2014, the monarch’s third wife, Srisasmi Suwadi, lost all her titles and was denied access to the palace. The monarch raises her 14-year-old son in Germany and Switzerland.
The decision to restore the royal companion comes amid unprecedented protests against the monarch. The citizens demand the restriction of the powers of the king, but also the reform of the monarchy.
Protesters are also reacting to the king’s decision to declare crown property personal, making him the richest man in Thailand.
With information from BBC
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