Bangkok Post

[Alex]

 

[Alex]

Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn Dead; King Rama IX Resigns
by Soo Leeyao

Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn's Garuda 1 moments following the crash.
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Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn of the Rattanakosin Kingdom was among the two drivers sent by King Rama IX to the International Racing Championship and proved promising by winning the IRC's first Grand Prix in South Africa. However, on the 28th of June 1997, during the Grand Prix of Shanghai the Crown Prince was involved in a severe crash. The Crown Prince lost control of his vehicle and his car flipped over as it got stuck on the gravel, while sliding at high speed. The race was suspended for 7 laps with the safety car out and the Crown Prince was immediately flown to the nearest hospital. According to statements from the royal family themselves, the Crown Prince remained in a coma for nearly two weeks before hope of recovery was lost and he was taken off of his life support. Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn was declared dead soon after from his severe injuries on the 10th of July 1997.

Sinee Chalor, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn's fellow driver in the IRC, has announced that she will continue the driving for the Rattanakosin Kingdom in his honor.

The death of the Kingdom's Crown Prince was not the only thing that shocked the nation, however. Stricken with grief the nation's King, Rama IX, has declared publicly that he will be resigning by the end of this month or the beginning of August and will work with his Privy Council to determine a new successor to the throne of Rattanakosin and determine who shall embrace the title of Rama X.

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