Explosions and arrow attacks erupted during the Royal Competition’s archery round, putting the heirs in danger and exposing the one behind all the schemes.
In episode 12 of The Next Prince, chaos takes over the archery round of the Royal Competition as explosions and arrow attacks erupt in the forest of Meenanagarin, putting Prince Khanin, Prince Ramil, and Princess Ava into danger. Tensions escalate further when the King, the Assavadevathins, and the traitors face a fierce confrontation, putting every life on the line.
The series features Zee Pruk Panich as Charan, NuNew Chawarin Perdpiriyawong as Prince Khanin, Jimmy Karn Kritsanaphan as Prince Ramil, Ohm Thanakrit Chiamchunya as Paytai, Net Siraphop Manithikhun as Prince Calvin, JJ Radchapon Phornpinit as Jay, and Kris Charintip Rungthanakiat as Princess Ava.
Set in the prosperous monarchy of Emmaly—divided into four regions—the series follows a unique royal tradition: each region must send an heir to compete for the throne, with the winner’s father ascending as the next king.
The story centers on Prince Khanin of the Assavadevathin. A national fencing athlete raised far from Emmaly; Khanin was unaware of his royal lineage until danger emerged. Charan, a royal bodyguard from a family sworn to protect the royal bloodline, is tasked with bringing him back to compete and help the Assavadevathin maintain their reign.
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Disclaimer: This article includes spoilers for the series. Continue reading at your own discretion.
The Next Prince Episode 12 Recap: The Royal Competition Continues with Archery Round
The episode begins with Thatdanai receiving a mysterious letter that reads, “Meet me in Assavadevathin.” The message hints at a secret meeting that could drastically alter the unfolding events.
The Royal Competition continues at the palace of Meenanagarin with its intense second round—archery. As the heirs step into the forest to begin the challenge, eager spectators gather at the palace, watching every moment with anticipation.
The archery round features four target types—standard targets, birds, horses, and snakes—each with different point values. As the challenge begins, pressure builds: Prince Ramil aims to meet his father’s expectations, Princess Ava strives to prove herself despite the unfairness, and Prince Khanin competes to bring change to Emmaly.
With arrows flying and determination high, the heirs race through the woods, each aiming for victory. Princess Ava quickly secures the lead with an impressive 80 points. However, just as the match intensifies, a sudden explosion rocks the forest—halting the competition and plunging everyone into panic and confusion.
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Chaos Erupts in Meenanagarin: Explosions Disrupt the Royal Competition
As the explosions occurred, Charan was alerted and quickly left when the palace livestream was abruptly cut off, causing immediate confusion. Smoke bombs continued to explode in the forest where the heirs were competing, the King immediately told the guards to search for the heirs.
Suddenly, arrows rained down on the heirs. Ava was struck in the foot, and since the arrows matched their own, Ramil believed it was a deliberate setup to turn them against each other. However, Khanin disagreed and immediately helped Ava escape. Despite his suspicions, Ramil eventually stepped in and carried Ava on his back.
Meanwhile, Charan, Paytai, and Mia entered the forest after discovering the fallen guards. They quickly reunited with the heirs, and Charan revealed that Khanin’s badge—as well as the others’—given by Prince Wasin, contained hidden trackers. They immediately removed the badges. With time running out, they each retreated to their designated locations to flee Meenanagarin.
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Thatdanai Exposes the Traitor in The Next Prince Episode 12
As the King and Princes grew increasingly anxious about the heirs’ safety, Thatdanai arrived, apologized for his earlier escape, and presented all the evidence he had uncovered.
Before the royal competition, Prince Tharin had sent Thatdanai a letter and met him in Assavadevathin, asking for his help in protecting Khanin in exchange for his own safety. Tharin confessed that he couldn’t bear to lose Khanin again and made it clear that—unlike the King, who prioritized Assavadevathin above all else—his top priority was his son.
From that moment on, Thatdanai began investigating, with a particular focus on Prince Rachata of Bhuchongpisut. He discovered that Khanin’s coach was a planted spy—the one who drugged his arrows—and that the coach’s entire identity had been fabricated.
But then, they found out that Prince Rachata was merely following the advice of Prince Wasin of Meenanagarin. Even the forest used for the competition—rigged with traps and wild animals—was part of Wasin’s scheme. Upon discovering the truth, the King ordered Wasin’s arrest, but he quickly fled.
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Prince Wasin’s Reason for Betrayal
The King, Prince Tharin, and Chakri finally reunite with Prince Khanin and Charan, but the moment quickly turns violent when Prince Wasin arrives and fires a gun, aiming directly at the King. Consumed by rage, Wasin blames the King for his wife’s death and the destruction of his family—accusations rooted in the unresolved air pollution crisis in Assavadevathin.
Wasin recalls how he and his wife desperately appealed to the King, Bhuchongpisut, and Davichmetha to address the air pollution caused by mining—urging the construction of containment pits for mine waste, stricter regulation of mining operations, and the development of technological solutions, specifically the use of air purifiers to help affected residents.
However, despite acknowledging the issue, the King chose to turn a blind eye and turn the crisis into financial gain—Bhuchongpisut’s hospitals profited from increased medicine sales, while Davichmetha capitalized on the rising demand for air purifiers.
Following his wife’s death from lung cancer, Wasin vowed revenge. He condemned the King for prioritizing profit and power over the people’s welfare. As the confrontation escalated, Charan shot Wasin in the hand. In response, Wasin revealed that the King was also responsible for Charan’s mother’s death.
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The King Faces Another Betrayal
In a shocking twist, the King’s butler, Wirun, turns against him and points a gun at His Majesty. He reveals that his sister—Prince Wasin’s wife—died as a result of the mine’s pollution. Fueled by grief and resentment, Wirun confesses to working as Prince Wasin’s informant, leaking details about Khanin’s return to Emmaly and aiding in the chaos and rebellion that followed.
Just then, Thatdanai storms in and swiftly shoots Wirun. At the same time, the royal guards take control of the situation, and Vedish steps in to arrest Prince Wasin.
Meanwhile, Prince Khanin and Thatdanai finally reunite, sharing a long-awaited embrace. However, the relief is short-lived. Seizing the moment, Prince Wasin breaks free, snatches a gun, and aims at Khanin. In a split second, Chakri leaps in front of him, taking the bullet. Without hesitation, Vedish shoots Wasin, ending the turmoil once and for all.
Episode 13 Preview And Release Date
In episode 13 of The Next Prince, Prince Khanin is seen visiting Chakri’s tomb and offering flowers. Despite the recent chaos, the Royal Competition will move forward as planned. Meanwhile, the trailer also teases that the King’s condition appears to be worsening. Fans can watch the episode on July 26, streaming exclusively on iQIYI at 11:30 PM.
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What was your favorite scene in The Next Prince episode 12?
Source: Source: The Next Prince (X Account), Mandee Channel
