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 (วรรณพิมล), and changed to Lakshamilavan (ลักษมีลาวัณ), in 1920 by upon order of King Vajiravudh. 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. On 27 August 1922, the king elevated her to Princess Consort (พระนางเธอ) to console her. Later Lakshamilavan separated her residence from her husband and her family, she always said "I don't care".

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 (ปัทมะ), Wanphimon (วรรณพิมล) and Phra Nang Thoe Lakshamilavan (พระนางเธอลักษมีลาวัณ). 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 struck murdered by two men. Sa-ngiam "Saeng" Homchan and Charoen Kanchanaphai, were former Lakshami's gardeners, endeavoring to steal the wealth left to her by the king, repeatedly struck her across the head using a crowbar, while she was gardening. Lakshami's 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

Ancestry