Princess Ubolratana: The Thai Royal Who’s Got Her Own Agenda
Who is she? Ubolratana, the eldest sister of the current Thai monarch, has never been shy about stepping beyond the ivory halls of the palace. She’s an American‑raised pop‑star, a movie she‑er, a social‑media confessor, and—according to whispers—maybe the next big political mover.
From MIT to a Re‑claimed Crown
- At 21 she walked away from her royal title, married Peter Jensen (yes, she actually met an MIT math major in a lab, not a palace), and adopted the name Julie Jensen.
- She spent 25 summers in the U.S., living a quite ordinary life, until the marriage hit the brakes.
- She returned to Bangkok, re‑joined the throne, and reacquired the royal perks—royalty, road‑clearing, and all.
Why So Unearthly?
Thai royalty usually keep a low “in‑the‑classroom” vibe, but Ubolratana is all about the grins. Whether she’s feasting on BNK48 hits on stage or stringing a pop‑star’s punchline, she feels the beat of everyday Thais.
Reactions in a Tragedy
When King Bhumibol’s passing pulled crowds into the Grand Palace in 2016, she was the first to hand out food, pick up a tearful selfie, and capture heartwarming moments that blew up faster than a pierogi in a pizza shop.
Pop Culture + Pop Art
- 2019‑2020: She performed “Get Up, Get Down” (yes, that BNK48 jam) on massive telly sets.
- 2008: Gave her first cinema debut in Where the Miracle Happens, which even opened at Cannes.
- Second film: A high‑octane thriller with explosions that left us all glued to the screen.
Hashtag Hero
Ubolratana’s Instagram chronicles a blend of festive cheers, charity love, and genuine civic concern. One post read:
“This smog is a plague of doom—kids can’t go to school! I’m studying solutions now, because we’re all getting crazier.”
Her heartfelt shout‑out for the 2004 tsunami hit – her little autistic son Poom was among many drowned – shows a princess who isn’t afraid to carry the weight of real grief.
Peeking Into Politics
Tradition says the Thai monarchy stays out of the political drama, but the empire’s insiders are nothing if not “got it on their wrists.” Ubolratana’s toe‑ed tweets and her friendship with the Thaksin‑Shinawatra clout hint at more than a casual interest.
She shared a supportive tweet on Thaksin’s “Tyrrany” post, writing “I agree, su su!” (fight, fight). And her recent colorful Insta post—breathing a beautiful Thai dress while clutching a bouquet of red—stepped up the siren call to the “Shinawatra‑red” warren.
Will She Run?
Rumors swirl the official party could get her to the podium as the next prime minister candidate, rallying the people in the North, a classic “Shinawatra” territory.
While the power corridors on the throne are still ruthless, the most stunning revelation is that the princess is active, engaging, and ready—no doubt her new moves may shake up the dynastic deck.
Final word
Ubolratana’s journey screams: Let’s win the day. If she snags the political seat, China‑politics‑pop‑shit would get fusion‑juiced. But whether she stays the pop‑icon princess or dives into politics, her unapologetic spirit keeps the Thai narrative exciting.
