The meeting took place as anti-government protests escalate across Thailand, posing the most important challenge yet to Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha’s rule. The former army chief took power in a coup in 2014 after which retained it in last 12 months’s elections, that are widely considered rigged but guaranteed him victory.
Speakers at Sunday’s rally pledged to guard the monarchy and the nation. Videos were shown, one among which praised King Maha’s role within the fight against communism within the Nineteen Seventies, when a jungle rebellion threatened the country’s stability.
“I promise to fight shoulder to shoulder with brothers and sisters who share the same beliefs to protect the institution I love,” said one among the speakers, Patiyut Tongpajong.
Speaking to the media before this system began, Thai leader Pakdee Warong Dechgitvigrom, a former member of parliament and outstanding right-wing politician, said their goal was to “educate people.”
“The goal of our group is to protect the monarchy with knowledge and facts,” he said.
“We insist that conflicts in the country have their origins in politicians. The institution of the monarchy does not take part in ruling the country. An institution is a pillar of morale that brings people together.”
The protesters, supported by the royalist movement, have three basic demands: organizing recent elections, changing the structure and ending the intimidation of presidency critics.
However, some leaders of the anti-government movement have sparked controversy with an unprecedented call for reform of the monarchy, which they consider detached from reality and incomprehensible.
The institution is traditionally treated as impeccable. He can also be protected by strict defamation laws, which may end up in a 15-year prison sentence.
Protests in Thailand: Celebrities defy risks and support pro-democracy calls
Protests in Thailand: Celebrities defy risks and support pro-democracy calls
While anti-government protesters have called for reform of the monarchy, not its abolition, Thai Pakdee supporters imagine the road has been crossed in an unacceptable manner.
Retired Somporn Suklert enthusiastically cheered the speeches and clutched a shawl that read “We love the king.”
“I don’t care if you’re talking about politics. You can protest against the government – go ahead and do it. But don’t touch the monarchy,” she said. “We can’t let this happen. That’s why so many of us came to the meeting today and you will see more.”
Samacha Sinlapakob, a 39-year-old office worker, broke down in tears as he recounted the situation.
“The groups criticize and defame the monarchy and spread disinformation based on baseless facts,” he said. “It is clear that they are attacking the most important institution in the country.”
Although the participants of the anti-government events were mainly young students, the vast majority of people at Sunday’s rally were retirees.
Analysis | Thai students are rioting and the federal government is unsure what to do
Analysis | Thai students are rioting and the federal government is unsure what to do
With fears growing that Thailand could also be on the verge of renewed political violence, with students showing no willingness to compromise, the prime minister is replacing his previously conciliatory tone with a stern warning of impending chaos and the country’s descent into flames.
Over the past 15 years, political polarization has led to sometimes chaotic street clashes between rival political blocs, in addition to with security forces.
The stir of pro-monarchist groups adds one other element to what’s becoming a volatile mix, fueling fears of a possible confrontation at a big anti-government rally scheduled for September 19.
Additional reporting by Reuters
