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BANGKOK (Reuters): Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn wrote messages of national unity and love on Tuesday (November 10) during a visit to the northeast of the country, two days after protesters sent him a letter demanding royal reforms that would limit his powers.
The Royal Palace has not commented on months of protests, so any communication from the King is closely watched in the Southeast Asian country.
“We all love and take care of each other. Let us take care of the country, help each other to protect our country with kindness for prosperity and protect Thainess,” the king wrote in a message to the governor of Udon Thani province.
In a photo of himself and the Queen that was brought by one of the crowd of supporters, the King wrote: “Love the nation, love the people, appreciate Thainess, true happiness.”
Thousands of protesters marched to the Grand Palace in Bangkok on Sunday, approaching within a few dozen meters of the walls despite the police blockade and the explosion of a water cannon, to send a message to the King.
Breaking a long-standing taboo on criticizing the monarchy, they have demanded the departure of former junta leader Prayut Chan-o-cha as prime minister, a new constitution and reforms that would reduce his powers.
“When the King really appreciates democracy, all people will find happiness,” the protesters said.
Last week, the King made his first comments about the protesters. In short comments, he said “we love you anyway” and described Thailand as a land of compromise.
Prayut has said that he will not resign, rejecting accusations by protesters that he engineered last year’s election to maintain the power he took in a 2014 coup.
Images of different real events in Udon Thani showed thousands of people. Many wore yellow shirts, matching the king’s color, and carried official portraits of the royal couple to match.
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