Princess Srirasmi royal scandal is making headlines. Princess Srirasmi steps down from her royal post amid scandal. Thailand’s Royal Consort Princess Srirasmi is renouncing her royal status, following a corruption investigation that has left many of her family members and military officials under a cloud of scandal and suspicion. By given up her royal role, Thai’s Princess Srirasmi is also set to lose custody of her only son.
Princess Srirasmi, royal no more after a lengthy investigation that lead to the arrest of seven relatives.
Princess Srirasmi‘s family, along with numerous police and military officials including the head of the Central Investigation Bureau, were arrested for alleged graft. Those involved in the corruption used a politician’s authority for personal gain.
More than 20 people detained in the graft probe used their relationship to a royal for illegal activities such as running casinos, oil smuggling, kidnapping and extortion.
One of Thailand’s richest men and the founder of Wind Energy Holdings Nopporn Suppipat with an estimated fortune of $800 million, is on the run from police on charges relating to the probe.
The relatives and officials have been slapped with charges ranging from bribery to defaming the monarchy.
Those who took part in the illegal activities are facing some serious time behind bars, because under section 112 of Thailand’s criminal code, anyone convicted of defaming, insulting or threatening the king, queen, heir or regent will get between 3 to 15 years in prison on each count.
The family members of Princess Srirasmi, the Princess Consort to His Royal Highness Crown Prince MahaVajiralongkorn, were stripped of their special royally-bestowed surname “Akkharapongpricha” in November.
On Friday, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn issued a statement announcing that his third wife had decided to step down from her royal duties. The brief statement read:
“Princess Srirasmi, wife of Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn has written to respectfully resign from her status in the royal family and permission has been granted by His Majesty the King.”
No reason was given as to why the Princess was forced to step down. Srirasmi who was last seen in public on December 6th at the 9th anniversary of “The Family Bond Project” will lose her royal title, “Mom,” which translates as princess, but will be given the new title, “Thanpuying,” the highest honor for a commoner.
Prince MahaVajiralongkorn, 62, has also divorced 43-year-old Princess Srirasmi after 13 years of marriage. Prince MahaVajiralongkorn will have full custody of the couple’s nine-year-old son, Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, who is the heir to the throne.
Political experts say that Princess Srirasmi’s resignation creates a sense of uncertainty over the future of the monarchy. Thailand’s 87-year-old ailing King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the world’s longest-serving monarch.
In October, King Bhumibol Adulyadej was hospitalized and underwent an operation to remove his gallbladder.
Crown Prince MahaVajiralongkorn, a fighter pilot has in recent years replaced his father in many ceremonial duties.
Princess Srirasmi steps down from her royal duty and loses custody of her only child, all in the same month.
What are your thoughts on Princess Srirasmi royal scandal?
