The Crown Prince of Thailand has divorced his wife.

Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn has divorced Queen Srirasmi, marking upheaval in the Thai monarchy amid growing concerns about the king's health.

Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand and Princess Srirasmi at an annual royal event held in Bangkok in May 2010. Photo: AFP.

The Royal Gazette of the Thai palace announced yesterday that Princess Srirasmi has relinquished her royal title. This move marks the end of her 13-year marriage to Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, AFP reported. This rare public disclosure of palace events comes after several of Princess Srirasmi's relatives were arrested in connection with corruption.

"The King has authorized the announcement that Princess Srirasmi, wife of Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, mentioned relinquishing her royal title in a handwritten document," a statement from the Thai palace said.

Thai Rath and Daily News, Thailand's two largest newspapers, both published articles yesterday about Princess Srirasmi relinquishing her royal title. Daily News reported that the divorce proceedings between the couple have been finalized and the Crown Prince retains custody of their children.

Srirasmi will be granted the title "Thanpuying," the highest honor bestowed upon an ordinary person. Previously, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn requested the removal of the royal surname "Akkharapongpricha" from his wife's family. Srirasmi, 42, is Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn's third wife. They married in 2001 and have a nine-year-old son who will succeed the crown prince to the throne.

Analysts say the 62-year-old crown prince's divorce will heighten concerns about the future of the monarchy in Thailand, as King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 87, is nearing the end of his reign. King Bhumibol, revered almost as a god among Thais, has been hospitalized several times this year and canceled plans for a public appearance on his 87th birthday last weekend.

"This announcement will increase uncertainty and anxiety among Thai people about the future of the monarchy, not only for them but also for future generations," said Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a Thai expert from Kyoto University, Japan.

In May, the Thai military staged a coup to seize power after months of violent street protests. Thai Army Commander Prayuth Chan-ocha, who now serves as prime minister, stated that the military needed to act to protect the monarchy and restore order in the politically divided nation.

According to Vietnamnet