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‘The king is human, not a god’: in Thailand, divide widens over status of monarchy that must be revered by law
- Gauging the shift in the country of 70 million is hard – the biggest protests this year have attracted more participants than royalist shows of support
- But one recent poll found that 60 per cent of Thais thought the protesters should not attack the monarchy – though without explaining why
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Reutersin Bangkok
The words the Thai king spoke to Thitiwat Tanagaroon have been tattooed on his arm: “very brave, very good, thank you”.
The 50-year-old restaurant manager never imagined he would win praise from King Maha Vajiralongkorn when he brandished a royal portrait at an anti-government protest last month. Nor had he expected online attacks and calls for him to be fired from his job.
“There are a lot of people who still love the monarchy and worship the monarchy but they don’t come out,” he said. “Whoever comes out gets harassed.”
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Thai king praises 'very brave' man who held up royal portrait at anti-government protest
Thai king praises 'very brave' man who held up royal portrait at anti-government protest
Just months ago, criticising Thailand’s monarchy was taboo and few dared brave harsh royal insult laws.
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Now, defending the monarchy can also draw criticism – a monumental shift in a kingdom where the institution has been promoted for decades and must be revered according to the constitution.
The palace did not respond to a request for comment on changing attitudes since protests began in July.
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“The new generation and youth, they’re not into it,” protest leader, Tattep Ruangprapaikitseree, 23, said of the deference generations of Thais have shown for the monarchy.
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