Thailand's king held birthday celebrations for his late father as thousands of supporters arrived to greet him, amid unprecedented challenges to the monarchy from student-led protesters.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida waved as they arrived at Bangkok's Sanam Luang ceremonial ground. Supporters of the monarchy held Thai and yellow royal flags to welcome them, with some cheering 'Long live the king.'
The crowd also wore yellow shirts, which is the colour associated with the royal institution.
Thousands pay tribute to Thai king's late father in Bangkok, with a rare appearance by King Maha Vajiralongkorn, amid calls for reforms of Thailand's monarchy pic.twitter.com/yIXAUrCjRY
— TRT World Now (@TRTWorldNow) December 6, 2020
The king led the crowd in a candlelit tribute to his late father, whose giant image was at the centre of the stage set up outside the ornate Grand Palace.
Although King Bhumibhol Adulyadej died four years ago, his birthday remains on the national calendar as Fathers' Day.
He reigned for 70 years, acquiring a reputation for selfless work in the service of his country, an image endlessly propagated by newspapers and state media.
The late monarch was widely respected, a status reinforced by strict lese majeste laws that can bring jail terms of up to 15 years for any comment or action deemed defamatory toward the monarchy.
But since his death in 2016, and the accession of Vajiralongkorn, the monarchy's standing has been under threat, with dissent on the rise.
In August this year, pro-democracy students smashed the taboo on public criticism by unveiling a 10-point demand for sweeping reform to make the powerful and wealthy institution more transparent and accountable.
Thailand's king pardons 30,000 prisoners and shortens jail time for 200,000 https://t.co/IdphhzzVV3 pic.twitter.com/RYJbnG19I7
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) December 5, 2020
Support for the move has swelled, with thousands embracing the call at a series of mass rallies, alongside demands for a new constitution and the resignation of the prime minister.
In apparent response, Vajiralongkorn has undertaken a wave of public appearances that have served as rallying points for thousands of conservative Thais outraged at the challenge to traditional norms and determined to defend them.
In contrast to his usual stern demeanour, the king has been more relaxed at the events, presenting a softer persona, while also thanking and encouraging those who have stood up for him.
At one royal walkabout in November, he appeared to hint that there could be compromises with those demanding reform, but protest leaders have dismissed that as meaningless.
In recent days, at least 12 protest leaders have been charged with royal defamation under the lese majeste laws.
The laws had been suspended for the past three years after Vajiralongkorn told the government he did not want to see them used.
This article has been adapted from its original source.
