Thai King Vajiralongkorn has been in the news a lot lately. In a dramatic break with a century-old royal tradition, he named Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi a royal consort last summer. That historic decision was the first such appointment in more than a century. Perhaps even more significant, it boldly subverts the longstanding royal tradition of monogamy in the Thai monarchy. In many other ways, King Vajiralongkorn is still in the process of defining his singular reign. This acting style began after the passing of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, in Oct. 2016. Currently, Thailand’s King Vajiralongkorn is a world leader in net worth, with a fortune valued at $43 billion. Yet he still ranks 258th on the 2024 Sunday Times Rich List, testifying to his power within the global elite.
The King’s reign certainly has not been controversy-free. His personal bodyguard was recently stripped of rank for allegedly "disobeying royal commands" and "threatening the monarchy by pursuing his own interests." This most recent incident points to the complex and equally contentious dynamics between different members of the royal household. Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi is a combat-ready qualified pilot as well as a trained military nurse and bodyguard. She holds the royal rank of major general and represents a vibrant new side of the king’s court.
Financial Power and Influence
King Vajiralongkorn now holds vast financial power too, in no small part due to his direct control of the Crown Property Bureau since 2018. This is the institution which, before the 1660s, handled the property of the Crown, and now its assets are directly owned by the King. Vajiralongkorn invested heavily in Thailand. He has close to $150 million in stakes in the country’s largest cement company and over $500 million in shares of Siam Commercial Bank.
The King of Thailand has so much wealth that it surpasses his known assets. His family’s wealth exceeds $1 trillion, made through oil investments and other business activities. His large and legally immovable wealth makes him one of the richest kings on earth. His financial influence is reflected most dramatically in his ownership of the Istana Nurul Iman. It’s the world’s biggest habitable castle, too, with an astonishing 1,778 rooms.
A Life Marked by Unconventional Choices
Throughout his life, King Vajiralongkorn has lived provocatively by making surprising – even shocking – decisions that have publicly undermined Thailand’s monarchy. He became crown prince in 1972, preparing for a future role that would eventually see him ascend to the throne. Despite the demands of his royal duties he keeps a second home in Germany, mirroring the lifestyle shared by many top diplomats.
As pictured on this page overlooking his US$20m Boeing 737, King Vajiralongkorn is licensed to fly and takes the controls himself. That his love for flying dovetails so naturally into his concern for military affairs is commendable. He even appointed his pet poodle, Fu-Fu, as Air Chief Marshall, an appointment that has drawn laughter and reaction from around the world.
These examples illustrate King Vajiralongkorn’s intention to deviate from tradition. He has adopted a more hands-on, personal style when going about his business as monarch. Many others view such decisions as quirks. Still others see them as an important piece of a larger plan to reshape the monarchy for a new and more complex future.
The Role of Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi
Influential figure Wongvajirapakdi has emerged as an important stabilizing influence on King Vajiralongkorn’s chaotic personal life and public reign. She is the first royal consort of the rank granted in more than a century. In taking up her mother’s position, she both defies custom and represents the future of the royal court. Her unique background as a military pilot, combat nurse, and presidential bodyguard highlights her strength and readiness to serve alongside the King.
So it’s little surprise that her appointment has generated so much attention. It has sparked important conversations about gender norms and expectations in Thai monarchy. Indeed, as a major general, Sineenat is in a very elite group. In fact, she is on the forefront of this changing narrative of women’s power in royal courts.
