Thousands flock to back Thai royals at drone show

SOME 10 thousand royalists turned out in Bangkok on December 5 for a drone show honouring the Thai king’s late father, in a show of force by a monarchy under pressure following months of pro-democracy protests.

Since July demonstrators have made unprecedented calls to reform Thailand’s monarchy – a taboo-smashing demand in a country where the ultra-wealthy royal family has long been untouchable.

But December 5 saw the king’s supporters turn out in force, wearing yellow and clutching portraits of royal family members as they gathered for a candlelight ceremony and drone display at the Sanam Luang field outside the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

Many chanted “long live the king” as they waited for Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida, as well as Princesses Sirivannavari and Bajrakitiyabha and royal consort Sineenat “Koi” Wongvajirapakdi, to arrive in a golf buggy.

They were flanked by royal guards in red ceremonial costumes and bearskin-like hats.

Onnapa Malaisri, 44, said: “We are so upset [about the democracy protests] . . . because the monarchy is so deeply rooted in Thai culture.

That is why we can not accept the young generation’s behaviour and actions toward the king.”

December 5 marks the birthday of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died in 2016 and was widely revered in Thailand.

Tens of thousands of prisoners received royal pardons or had their jail terms reduced to mark the occasion, which falls on the same date as fathers’ day in Thailand.

The king said in a speech: “It is the day we will remember and show appreciation to

the greatest benevolence and kindness [the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej] showed us during his reign.”

Some attendees cried as the late king’s face was projected into the sky with synchronised drones.

But pro-democracy supporters took to Twitter questioning why fathers’ day was linked to the monarchy, under a top trending hashtag.

The 68-year-old ruler sits at the apex of Thai power and analysts estimate the royal family’s wealth to be between $50-$70 billion.

AFP Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn waves to royalist supporters during a ceremony to commemorate the birthday of his father the late Thai king Bhumibol Adulyadej at Sanam Luang in Bangkok on Saturday.