The once-exiled sons of the Thai King returned to the United States on Monday night following a bizarre trip to their homeland - raising hopes the controversial monarch is sizing up an heir.

Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, 42, and Chakriwat Vivacharawongse, 40, were studying in England when they were banished along with their two brothers 27 years ago amid an acrimonious divorce between their mother Sujarinee and notorious ruler Maha Vajiralongkorn, or King Rama 10.

The four siblings built successful careers in New York while Vajiralongkorn became best known for throwing a topless birthday party for his pet dog, walking around a shopping mall while adorned with fake tattoos and in a crop top, keeping a harem of women in a German hotel during lockdown and allegedly breaking his elderly sister's ankles when she disobeyed him.

However, the two out-of-favour sons appear to have been brought back into the royal fold following the collapse of Princess Bajrakitiyabha last December with a brain aneurysm. She was expected to succeed the monarch as crown regent but has been in a coma ever since.

There are now hopes that Vacharaesorn - the king's second eldest son but the most open to taking on the role of king - will become the heir. Another of the king's sons, Prince Dipangkorn, from a later marriage and whom has always had a close relationship with the monarch, is not considered suitable for the position due to his learning difficulties.

Vacharaesorn, a lwayer, and Chakriwat, a doctor, completed the trip on Monday night when they departed through the Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok shortly after 11 pm local time.

They boarded an Emirates Airbus A380 flight EK 377, which included a transit stop in Dubai before proceeding with flight EK 201 - another A380 - to New York.


While checking in at the counter, they chatted with fawning locals who swarmed them for selfies.


Expressing gratitude to those who came to bid them farewell after their busy schedules in Thailand, Vacharaesorn spoke of his desire to accomplish more in the future.

He acknowledged the outpouring of affection from Thai citizens throughout his journey, which allowed him to gain insights into 'diverse Thai ways of life through direct interactions and learning from them'.

Vacharaesorn noted that certain aspects had evolved within his memory after 27 years, yet he emphasised that this did not inherently indicate improvements or setbacks for Thailand.

He extended his aspirations for the nation and its people to foster hope, love, and mutual respect.

Vacharaesorn expressed hope for a return to Thailand in the near future, alongside his family, and urged citizens to contribute to a just, equitable, and united country.