Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse Biography: Wikipedia, Age, Height, Spouse, Siblings, Net Worth, Parents

Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, fondly known as “Than Oun” by the Thai media, is a Thai-American attorney whose surprising return to Thailand after 27 years in exile has stirred hearts and headlines.

His visits to Thailand in 2023 and 2024, including his ordination as a Buddhist monk in 2025, sparked speculation about a royal comeback, although his deportation in June 2025 added mystery to his story.

Profile

• Full Name: Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse
• Stage Name: Than Oun
• Born: May 27, 1981
• Age: 44 years old
• Birthplace: Bangkok, Thailand
• Nationality: Thai-American
• Occupation: Attorney, Legal Consultant, Cultural Advocate
• Height: Unknown
• Religion: Unknown
• Parents: King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Sujarinee Vivacharawongse
• Siblings: Juthavachara Vivacharawongse, Chakriwat Vivacharawongse, Vatchrawee Vivacharawongse, Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, Princess Bajrakitiyabha, Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti
• Spouse: Elisa Garafano
• Children: Two
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $1 million to $5 million

Early Life & Education

Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse was born on May 27, 1981, in Bangkok, Thailand, into the heart of the Thai Royal Family as the second son of then-Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn and his consort, Sujarinee Vivacharawongse, a former actress.

His ethnicity is Thai, tied to the Chakri dynasty, with his mother’s lineage tracing to King Taksin the Great.

His religion isn’t publicly confirmed, though his ordination as a Buddhist monk in 2025 suggests Buddhist ties.

Growing up in Dusit Palace with four siblings—three brothers (Juthavachara, Chakriwat, Vatchrawee) and one sister (Sirivannavari)—he held the royal rank of “Mom Chao” (Prince Vacharaesorn Mahidol).

Vacharaesorn’s education began in Bangkok at Churairat Kindergarten, followed by Chulalongkorn University Demonstration Elementary School (1987–1989) and Chitralada School, a royal institution. After his 1996 exile, he studied in the United States, attending high school in Florida.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Miami, followed by a law degree from Stetson University College of Law.

Career

Vacharaesorn’s career reflects his resilience and adaptability. After arriving in the U.S. in 1996, he took an early job selling hot dogs at NASCAR’s Daytona 500, a humble start for a former prince.

After graduating from Stetson University, he worked as a legal advisor at Maney & Gordon, P.A., in Tampa, Florida.

From 2008 to 2017, he was a partner at Goldberg Segalla, LLP, in New York City, later joining Gerber, Ciano, Kelly, Brady, LLP as a partner in 2017.

He also served as in-house counsel for Chubb Insurance. In 2023, he founded VVV Group, a Bangkok-based legal consulting firm, briefly using the title “Prince” before removing it amid controversy.

His advocacy extends beyond law: he established the Thai Heritage Scholarship Fund in New York to support Thai students and has promoted Thai culture in Los Angeles and New York.

His unannounced return to Thailand on August 6, 2023, after a 27-year absence, included visits to temples, a childcare center, and Siriraj Hospital, signaling a potential royal rehabilitation.

He returned in December 2023 for Father’s Day and in March 2024, engaging in social causes such as mangrove reforestation and scholarships for students at Islamic schools.

His ordination as a Buddhist monk on May 11, 2025, at Wat Pariwat Ratchasongkram during Vesak Day fueled speculation about his succession, but his reported deportation on June 23, 2025, for four unspecified charges added uncertainty to his status.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @vacharaesorn1981

Personal Life

At 44, Vacharaesorn, known as “Vach” or “Than Oun,” keeps a low profile on personal details. His height isn’t publicly known, but his warm demeanor shines in public appearances.

Given his 2025 ordination, it is likely that he is a Buddhist, although his religious affiliation remains unconfirmed.

Based in New York, he’s reportedly married to Elisa Garafano, an American civil servant, with two children, though a divorce filing was suspended, leaving his marital status unclear.

His 2023 and 2024 visits to Thailand—meeting the Supreme Patriarch, riding Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain, and enjoying pad Thai—showed his love for his homeland.

Net Worth

Vacharaesorn’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million, based on his legal career, partnerships with U.S. law firms, and his consultancy with VVV Group.

Unlike his father’s vast fortune, his wealth is tied to professional earnings, rather than royal assets, as he was stripped of his titles in 1996.

His modest lifestyle in New York and focus on philanthropy suggest financial independence.