Than Aong Updates Followers on Health, Urges Caution Over Fake Donations
Than Aong Updates Followers on Health, Urges Caution Over Fake Donations
BANGKOK, 19 September 2026 — Dr Chakriwat Vivacharawongse, the 43-year-old son of Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn, has revealed that he is currently unwell but remains determined to recover.
Known in Thailand as “Than Aong,” Dr Chakriwat shared the health update on his official Facebook page on September 6, writing in both Thai and English that he was trying his best to get better.
“Right now I’m not well, but I’m trying my best,” he wrote, adding that he was determined to improve and was continuing to try every day.
The message prompted thousands of followers to send him wishes for a speedy recovery.
Dr Chakriwat did not disclose the nature of his current illness, where he was receiving treatment or provide a prognosis.
Reports Mention Brain Cancer, But No Confirmation
Several Thai media reports have described the latest update as relating to brain cancer. However, Dr Chakriwat himself did not mention cancer in his post, and there is no public statement reviewed for this report confirming that his current condition is related to brain cancer.
Dr Chakriwat has previously spoken publicly about living with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), a rare genetic condition now commonly referred to as NF2-related schwannomatosis.
NF2 can cause tumours to develop along nerves in the brain, spinal cord and other parts of the nervous system. Dr Chakriwat has previously undergone surgeries and radiation treatments for tumours associated with the condition.
In 2020, he also said he was receiving chemotherapy and described treatment side effects that affected his ability to produce medical education videos. A historical account he published about his condition said that he had undergone multiple surgeries and radiotherapy for benign tumours associated with NF2.
The existence of NF2 and previous tumour treatment, however, does not by itself establish that his current illness is cancer or that any previous tumour was malignant.
Warning Over Fake Fundraising Campaigns
The health update came just days after Dr Chakriwat warned the public about people allegedly using his name to solicit donations for his medical expenses.
In a September 2 statement, he said he had learned that people had been misled into donating money believing that the funds would reach him.
Dr Chakriwat said he had never received any money or benefits from people using his name to solicit donations and condemned the practice.
He urged members of the public to verify any fundraising campaign through his official social-media channels before transferring money or providing personal information.
The warning came as he acknowledged that he does face health challenges, while rejecting any suggestion that he had authorised others to raise money for his treatment.
Dr Chakriwat is the third son of King Maha Vajiralongkorn. He studied medicine in the United States and has been involved in public medical education through the Chakriwat Medical Information Center.
His latest message offered no further details about his condition, but his statement that he remains determined to recover has prompted an outpouring of support from followers.
