20 September 2024

HM King Vajiralongkorn last night described Thailand as “the land of compromise” as thousands of people chanted “Long live the king” during a public audience in front of the Royal Grand Palace.

HM the King’s rare comment was in response to a question from a correspondent of British broadcaster Channel 4, Jonathan Miller, who was among members of the international press invited to sit among the crowds of royalist supporters.

“No comment,” the Thai monarch said when asked what he would say to the anti-government protesters.

“We love them all the same. We love them all the same,” His Majesty added.

HM the King had presided over a ceremony to change the costume of the Emerald Buddha statue before coming out to greet well-wishers, mostly cladded in yellow.

CNN said this was the first time that the Thai monarch responded to the ongoing anti-government protesters whose demands include a reform of the monarchy.

 

Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida greet royalist supporters outside the Grand Palace in Bangkok on November 1, 2020 after presiding over a religious ceremony at a Buddhist temple inside the palace./ AFP

 

Royalist supporters wait to catcha glimpse of Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida outside the Grand Palace in Bangkok on November 1, 2020 after a religious ceremony at a Buddhist temple inside the palace. / AFP