King leads thousands for father’s commemoration

BANGKOK » Supporters greeted Thailand’s king as he led a birthday commemoration for his revered late father, the latest in a series of public appearances at a time of unprecedented challenge to themonarchy from student-led protesters. King Maha Vajiralongkorn, accompanied by Queen Suthida, waved a she arrived at Bangkok’ s San am Lu ang ceremonial ground. Supporters of the monarchy held Thai and yellow royal flags to welcome them, with some cheering “Long live the king.” The crowd wore yellow shirts, the color associated with the royal institution. The king led the crowd in a candlelit tribute to his late father, whose giant image was at the center of the stage set up outside the ornate Grand Palace.