Dr. Chakriwat Vivacharawongse, a son of Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn, has publicly stated that he is currently unwell but remains resolute in his efforts to recover. Widely recognized in Thailand as Than Aong, the 43-year-old physician shared a personal message on his official Facebook page on September 6th. In the post, written in both Thai and English, he expressed, “Right now I’m not well, but I’m trying my best.” He further conveyed his determination to improve and his commitment to continuing his efforts daily. The announcement garnered thousands of supportive messages from followers wishing him a speedy recovery.
Health Status and Public Speculation
Dr. Chakriwat did not specify the nature of his current illness, the location of his treatment, or provide a detailed prognosis. However, several Thai media outlets reported that his message was an update concerning brain cancer. It is important to note that Dr. Chakriwat himself did not mention cancer in his post, nor did he explicitly link his current health situation to his previously known medical conditions.
Background on Dr. Chakriwat’s Health Conditions
Dr. Chakriwat has previously disclosed his diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), a rare genetic disorder also known as NF2-related schwannomatosis. This condition is characterized by the development of tumors along the nerves within the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the nervous system. Common manifestations include vestibular schwannomas, which can impair hearing and balance, and potentially meningiomas and ependymomas.
In the past, Dr. Chakriwat has undergone surgical procedures and radiation therapy to address tumors associated with NF2. In 2020, he mentioned receiving chemotherapy, the side effects of which reportedly made it challenging for him to continue producing medical education videos. Chemotherapy is a treatment used for various conditions, not exclusively for brain cancer. The U.S. National Cancer Institute indicates that schwannomas are typically benign (non-cancerous), although malignant forms can occur in rare instances. No publicly available information reviewed for this report confirms that any of the tumors treated in the past were malignant. Furthermore, his most recent health update did not establish a connection between his current illness and his NF2 diagnosis.
Warning Against Fundraising Scams
The recent health update from Dr. Chakriwat followed closely on the heels of a warning he issued regarding individuals allegedly misusing his name to solicit donations for his medical expenses. In a statement released on September 2nd, he alerted the public that certain individuals were misleading people into believing that funds raised would directly benefit him. Dr. Chakriwat asserted that he had not received any financial contributions from these purported campaigns and strongly condemned the actions of those involved.
While acknowledging his ongoing health challenges, he explicitly denied authorizing anyone to collect donations on his behalf. His statement served as a caution to the public, urging them to verify any fundraising appeals through his official social media channels before transferring money or sharing personal details. This advisory aims to protect individuals from potential fraud and ensure that any genuine support reaches him through legitimate means.
Dr. Chakriwat’s Background and Public Service
As the third son of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Dr. Chakriwat has pursued a career in medicine. He completed his medical studies in the United States. Upon establishing his medical credentials, he founded the Chakriwat Medical Information Center. This initiative was established with the objective of providing accessible public health education, aiming to disseminate valuable health information to a wider audience.
His dedication to health education, coupled with his personal health journey, underscores his commitment to both his well-being and the welfare of the public. The recent health update, while personal, also highlights the importance of accurate information dissemination, particularly concerning health matters and financial solicitations.
Conclusion
Dr. Chakriwat Vivacharawongse’s recent public statement offers a glimpse into his current health status, emphasizing his determination to recover. While speculation regarding his condition has circulated, his own words highlight his ongoing efforts and resilience. The accompanying warning against fraudulent fundraising serves as a crucial reminder for the public to exercise caution and verify information through official channels. Dr. Chakriwat’s background in medicine and his commitment to public health education further contextualize his public engagement during this period.
