Royalist protests gain momentum in Thailand amid fears of clashes

Protests highlight a generational divide and stir unease about possible conflict

On Oct 23, outside the Grand Palace in Bangkok, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, flanked by Queen Suthida, leaned down and whispered into the ear of firebrand royalist Suvit Thongprasert.
On Oct 23, outside the Grand Palace in Bangkok, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, flanked by Queen Suthida, leaned down and whispered into the ear of firebrand royalist Suvit Thongprasert. PHOTO: COURTESY OF SUVIT THONGPRASERT
On Oct 23, outside the Grand Palace in Bangkok, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, flanked by Queen Suthida, leaned down and whispered into the ear of firebrand royalist Suvit Thongprasert.
FIREBRAND ROYALIST SUVIT THONGPRASERT. PHOTO: COURTESY OF SUVIT THONGPRASERT
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For a supposedly aloof king, the gregarious display was certainly stunning.

On Oct 23, Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn, flanked by Queen Suthida, waded through the gathered crowds outside Bangkok's Grand Palace and stopped in front of kneeling firebrand royalist Suvit Thongprasert.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on November 01, 2020, with the headline Royalist protests gain momentum in Thailand amid fears of clashes. Subscribe