Honor restored for Thai consort

Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn has restored the status of his royal consort, according to an announcement yesterday, nearly a year after she was publicly disgraced.

Previously stripped of her title of "Royal Noble Consort" last October Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi, 35, was accused of conducting a rivalry with Queen Suthida, the monarch's wife.

But the government's Royal Gazette yesterday published a statement from the palace, calling Sineenat "untainted" and restoring her to her former status.

"Therefore, the stripping of royal titles, official position in serving the crown in a military capacity and military ranks and the recall of all declarations has never taken place," the statement said, with the order taking effect on August 28.

Sineenat's whereabouts after her public disgrace could not be confirmed, but German media reported her presence in the country, where the Thai king spends most of his time.