Juthavachara Vivacharawongse
Juthavachara Vivacharawongse | |
|---|---|
จุฑาวัชร วิวัชรวงศ์ | |
| Born | Juthavachara Mahidol 29 August 1979 Bangkok, Thailand |
| Other names | Max |
| Alma mater | |
| Occupation | Aerospace engineer |
| Spouse |
Riya Gough (m. 2013) |
| Children | 3 |
| Parents |
|
| Relatives | Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) (grandfather) |
Juthavachara Vivacharawongse (Thai: จุฑาวัชร วิวัชรวงศ์ RTGS: Chuthawat Wiwatcharawong; born 29 August 1979) is a Thai-American aerospace engineer and former member of the Thai royal family.[1] Born as the first son of then Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, he fled Thailand after being banished in 1996 along with his younger brothers and mother. He now goes by the anglicised name Max.[2]
Early life and education
[edit]Juthavachara was born on 29 August 1979. He was the first son of King (then Crown Prince) Vajiralongkorn and his then 17-year old extramarital partner Yuvadhida Polpraserth (who later changed her name to Sujarinee Vivacharawongse). His birth name was Mom Chao Juthavachara Mahidol, "Mom Chao" being the lowest princely rank among Thai royal titles.[3] He has three younger brothers and a younger sister as well as a number of half-siblings from his father's other relationships. After Vajiralongkorn obtained the divorce from his first wife, Juthavachara's parents married in 1994 and their children were presented to the public as members of the royal family.[4]
Two years later, the couple separated in dramatic fashion. The mother fled with the children to London, later they moved to the United States, and they were banished from Thailand. Along with his brothers, Juthavachara lost his royal titles, while their sister was brought back to their father and remained a princess.[5]
His family settled in central Florida where Juthavachara became a Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan. He continued to write letters to his father, then the crown prince. In 2003, during a visit by Vajiralongkorn to Chicago, the brothers confronted their father at the Thai consulate.[2]
He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Aviation Technology and master of Aeronautical Science from Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University. Then in 2010 he graduated in Juris Doctor from Thomas Jefferson School of Law.[6]
Career
[edit]Juthavachara worked in the field of aircraft engineering in the United States.[citation needed]
Personal life
[edit]Juthavachara married American-born Riya Gough in 2013. As a result, he was excluded from the line of succession to the Thai throne because the royal court prohibited the Thai royal family from marrying foreigners.[7] He has a son and two daughters.[8]
In 2025, he attempted to return to Thailand following his younger brother Vacharaesorn's return to Thailand in 2023 and was denied entry.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ เปิดประวัติ ‘ท่านชายทั้ง 4’ พระราชโอรส รัชกาลที่ 10 ปัจจุบันทำอาชีพอะไรบ้าง
- ^ a b c Campbell, Charlie (26 June 2025). "Exclusive: Thai Princes Banished Again as Eldest Says 'I Did Nothing Wrong'". Time.
- ^ Paul M. Handley (2006). The King Never Smiles: A Biography of Thailand's Bhumibol Adulyadej. Yale University Press. p. 302.
- ^ Paul M. Handley (2006). The King Never Smiles: A Biography of Thailand's Bhumibol Adulyadej. Yale University Press. pp. 399–400.
- ^ "Thai King's exiled son returns – is he back in the royal fold?". Royal Central. 2023-08-10. Retrieved 2023-08-13.
- ^ Crown Prince’s family update?
- ^ The eldest prince celebrates his 42nd birthday, chasing love and marrying white classmates, forever losing the right to the throne
- ^ Campbell, Charlie (2025-06-26). "Exclusive: Thai Princes Banished Again, Eldest Says 'I Did Nothing Wrong'". TIME. Retrieved 2025-06-26.