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BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thousands of people protested in Bangkok on Saturday in the latest in months of anti-government demonstrations that have also called for reforms from Thailand’s powerful monarchy.
A few kilometers away, thousands of royalists gathered in yellow shirts and waved Thai flags as they waited to greet King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who was expected to attend a local event.
The initial focus of the protests that began in July was to seek the removal of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former leader of the junta.
“He is not only incompetent, he also lacks legitimacy,” said activist Sombat Boonngamanong from the loudspeakers in the back of a truck wearing a pirate hat. “Thailand has made no progress thanks to Prayuth.”
Some 2,500 protesters gathered at the Democracy Monument in Bangkok, according to police, singing and dancing mocking the government.
Prayuth’s government has a majority in parliament because its board elected the entire upper house ahead of an election last year that opponents said was designed to keep it in power. He says the vote was fair.
Police said they would not use violence to suppress protesters and deployed 5,100 soldiers to maintain order.
But last week thousands of people were met with water cannons as they marched to the Grand Palace to demand restrictions on the power of the monarchy.
Two kilometers away, thousands of royalists awaited the arrival of the king where he was to attend the inauguration ceremony of a subway station.
The protesters said they would turn their backs when the Royal Motorcade passed.
Protesters have increasingly called for reforms to the powerful monarchy, breaking a long-standing taboo against criticism of the institution.
“Some people want to tear him down, but we have come out to support him and show that all Thais love him,” said Donnapha Kladbupha, 48.
The Royal Palace was not available for comment. He has not commented since the protests began, but the king said two weeks ago that the protesters were still loved and that Thailand was a land of compromise.
Criticism of the monarchy can be punished by 15 years in jail under Thailand’s lese majesty laws, but has become widespread in recent weeks.
(Additional information from Panarat Thepgumpanat; edited by Kim Coghill and William Mallard)
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