Reclusive king’s ‘love’ for fractured Thais

BANGKOK: King Maha Vajiralongkorn called Thailand the “land of compromise” in unprecedented comments yesterday, during which the once-unapproachable monarch declared “love” for all Thais after months of protests calling for reform to the monarchy.

Comments to the media by the 68-year-old ruler are rare due to protocols dictating formalities with the royal family.

Societal taboos also prohibit Thais from speaking to — or questioning — the monarch, who is protected from criticism thanks to a draconian royal defamation law.

But the once-untouchable institution faces challenges from a growing pro-democracy movement, with some of its leaders demanding reforms to the monarchy, including for the law’s abolition.

On Sunday, royal devotion was on display as thousands wearing yellow shirts — the royal colour — waited near the Grand Palace clutching portraits of King Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida.

Zigzagging through the crowd to greet supporters, the monarch was stopped by a reporter with Britain’s Channel 4 who asked him his opinion about protesters calling for reform.

“We love them all the same,” he told the reporter repeatedly.

When asked if there was room for compromise, he said: “Thailand is the land of compromise.”

The ultra-wealthy monarch is supported by the kingdom’s military and billionaire clans, wielding unparalleled influence across Thai society.

He spends long periods of time in Germany, but has been in Thailand in recent weeks.