Lakshamilavan, also spelled Lakshami Lavan (; ; 3 July 1899 – 29 August 1961), born Princess Wanphimon Worawan (), was a royal consort of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) of Siam. Her father was Worawannakon, Prince Narathip Praphanphong, a well-accepted poet and artist of the day. She was a Thai writer and a member of the Thai royal family.
Early life and marriage Princess Lakshamilavan was born at the Worawan Palace, on 3 July 1899, the only daughter of Worawannakon, Prince Narathip Praphanphong and Mom Luang (The Honourable) Tat Montrikul, and best known in the palace by her nickname of "Tew" (; ). Her elder half-sister, Princess Vallabha Devi (also spelled Warnrabhathewee), ex-fiancée of King Vajiravudh.
She was initially named Wanphimon (), and changed to Lakshamilavan (), in 1920 by upon order of King Vajiravudh.Wirasinchai, Sansani. Luk than lan thoe thi yu bueang lang khwam sam ret nai rat cha sam nak [The royal family members, who were be hide the success of court]. Bangkok : Matichon. 2012, p. 252 and the same year, Princess Vallabha Devi, her half-sister engaged to King Vajiravudh. However, four months later in 1921, Vajiravudh nullified the engagement and pursued Princess Vallabha's sister, Princess Lakshamilavan, whom he engaged, but the marriage was never held and the couple then separated, because King Vajiravudh married Prueng Sucharitakul on 27 October 1921.Phlainoi, Sombat. Phraborommarachini lae chaochommanda haeng ratchasamnaksayam [Queen and royal concubines of Siamese court]. Bangkok : Than Books, 2011, p. 213
On 27 August 1922, the king elevated her to Princess consort () to console her.Yothong, Chanan. Nai Nai Samai Ratchakan Thi Hok [Male servant, in Rama Vi reign]. Bangkok : Matichon. 2013, p. 9 Later Lakshamilavan separated her residence from her husband and her family,Phlainoi, Sombat. Phraborommarachini lae chaochommanda haeng ratchasamnaksayam [Queen and royal concubines of Siamese court]. Bangkok : Than Books, 2011, p. 194 she always said "I don't care".Wirasinchai, Sansani. Luk than lan thoe thi yu bueang lang khwam sam ret nai rat cha sam nak [The royal family members, who were be hide the success of court]. Bangkok : Matichon. 2012, p. 270-271
Life after the king's death
After the king's death in 1925, she received an inheritance. She began writing novels under pen name, Patthama (), Wanphimon () and Phra Nang Thoe Lakshamilavan (). After World War II, she moved to Lakshami Vilas Villa to spend time writing novels.
Death On the evening of 29 August 1961, Lakshamilavan was murdered by two men: Sa-ngiam "Saeng" Homchan and Charoen Kanchanaphai, Lakshami's former gardeners, endeavoring to steal the wealth left to her by the king. They repeatedly struck her across the head using a crowbar while she was gardening. Her dead body was found near a garage at the villa five days after the attack. The murderer attempted to pawn the decorations he had stolen from the princess, unaware of the items' special value. The pawnshop owner, having recognized the valuables as royal property, informed the police.
Writings Yua Rak (ยั่วรัก) Chiwit Wam (ชีวิตหวาม) Sueam Siang Sap (เสื่อมเสียงสาป) Rak Rangkae (รักรังแก) Sonthe Saneha (สนเท่ห์สเน่หา) Chok Chueam Chiwit (โชคเชื่อมชีวิต) Ruean Chai Thi Rai Kha (เรือนใจที่ไร้ค่า) Phai Rak Khong Chanchala (ภัยรักของจันจลา)
Ancestry
References