Juthavachara “Max” Vivacharawongse, the grandson of Thailand’s late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, has recently opened up about his family’s banishment from their home country and his hopes for reconciliation. In an exclusive interview with TIME, he shared his personal experiences and his desire for healing and unity within his family and the nation.
The Vivacharawongse family has been a prominent figure in Thailand for generations, with a long history of serving the country. However, their status was abruptly changed when Max’s father, Prince Vajiralongkorn, was stripped of his title and banished from the country by his own father, King Bhumibol, in 1992. This was a result of a dispute between the two over the prince’s choice of a wife.
For Max, who was only six years old at the time, this event had a profound impact on his life. He and his family were forced to leave the country they loved and start a new life in the United States. This sudden upheaval left a deep scar on Max and his family, who were no longer able to return to their homeland.
In the interview with TIME, Max spoke about the difficulties of growing up in exile and the challenges he faced in adjusting to a new culture and way of life. He also shared the pain of being separated from his extended family and the country he considered his home.
Despite the painful past, Max remains optimistic and harbors no resentment towards the Thai royal family. He believes in the power of forgiveness and reconciliation, and hopes to one day reunite with his family and his beloved country.
Max’s desire for reconciliation goes beyond just his personal relationships. He also speaks about the need for healing and unity within Thailand as a whole. He believes that the country has been divided for too long and that it is time for all Thais to come together and move forward.
He acknowledges that there are challenges and differences within the country, but he believes that through open communication and understanding, these can be overcome. He hopes that the Thai people can find common ground and work towards a brighter future for the nation.
Max’s positive attitude and determination to seek reconciliation is truly admirable. He is a symbol of hope and a reminder that forgiveness and unity are possible, even in the face of deep-seated conflicts.
In recent years, there have been some positive developments in Thailand, such as the coronation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and the release of political prisoners. Max sees these as steps towards reconciliation and hopes that there will be more progress in the future.
Max’s story is a reminder that no matter how difficult our past may be, there is always room for forgiveness and healing. His courage and determination to seek reconciliation with his family and his country is an inspiration to us all.
As we move towards a more united and peaceful world, let us take a lesson from Max and his family’s story. Let us learn to forgive, to understand, and to work towards reconciliation, for the betterment of our families, our communities, and our nations.
