As Protesters Challenge Monarchy, Thai King Adopts More Approachable Image

On a latest night earlier this month, the Thai king was scheduled to seem simply after 7PM in entrance of the royal palace in Bangkok. In anticipation, 1000’s of individuals sat shoulder to shoulder within the night warmth, wanting to get a uncommon, up shut take a look at one of many richest and strongest monarchs on the earth. 

“Please, no selfies with the king, no flash images. And those that are on the entrance, please don’t rise up,” mentioned one of many guards in a pleasant, informal tone.

Supporters of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn wave flags and greet him in Bangkok on Dec. 5, 2020. Picture: Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj

King Maha Vajiralongkorn arrived together with his spouse, Queen Suthida, and members of the family. Individuals waved, smiled, and chanted “lengthy reside the king!” and “we love the king!” There have been LED neon banners with the slogan “we’re the residents of the king.”

The king, who often lives in a villa in Germany, has spent extra time again dwelling this yr. Months of pro-democracy protests have known as for the monarch’s powers to be decreased and for his riches to be managed extra transparently. The calls for have been on the coronary heart of anti-government demonstrations in Thailand the place criticizing the royal household can lead to jail time.

In response, specialists say the 68-year-old monarch, who ascended to the throne after the demise of his long-reining father Bhumipol Adulyadej in 2016, has been extra seen and approachable in elevated interactions with the general public. This yr he has spent extra time within the nation than in 2019.

He has patted a person on the shoulder and known as him “very courageous” for supporting the monarchy, a uncommon up-close gesture for a member of the royal household, although in step with previous public outings by his father. He additionally did his first interview in years, during which he mentioned “we love all of them the identical” in response to a query concerning the protesters. And he took half within the opening of a train line during which he sat in a red-carpeted underground automotive.

Over the weekend, King Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida had been seen giving a sit-down, informal speech sporting exercise garments to open LOVE camp for volunteers on the 11th Infantry Regiment (King’s Guard). There he mentioned he “was similar to different human beings” and that on some days he feels “despondent or unhappy” too, according to the Bangkok Post.

“He has clearly launched into a PR marketing campaign to enhance his picture and seem extra just like the ‘working royal’ that his father was perceived to be,” mentioned James Buchanan, a lecturer at Mahidol College Worldwide School who has additionally contributed to VICE World Information.

“This has concerned a sequence of public appearances to current him as a down-to-earth and approachable monarch. I do not assume the technique is designed to ‘win over’ the palace’s detractors. I feel it is extra meant to shore up assist amongst royalists, who’re seen as essential defenders of the monarchy.”

‘Assist 112’

The efforts have coincided with separate authorities exercise on social media, with political observers noting an uptick in pro-establishment hashtags circulating on Twitter, in a hanging parallel with pro-democracy hashtags that fueled the protest motion. One among them has been “Assist Article 112,” the regulation criminalizing insults towards the Thai king, queen, inheritor obvious or regent with as much as 15 years in jail. One other hashtag says “To like Thailand is to like and unite with one another.”

Some have additionally seen a change in the best way arch-royalist Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha conducts himself on tv, together with the best way he locations his arms, the softer fashion of talking, and even a brand new haircut. The picture stands in stark distinction to the gruff normal who launched the 2014 coup and now heads the federal government following controversial elections final yr.

“What we’ve seen the federal government doing is that they’re attempting to speak with one other group of individuals… to promote their product to a different group of shoppers,” says Siriporn Trachoo, a PR and advertising and marketing skilled who has had over 10 years of expertise working with worldwide firms.

“The truth that they’re leaping on the Twitter bandwagon is to attempt to sustain with the brand new societal traits,” Siriporn advised VICE world Information.

In October, Twitter mentioned it had eliminated lots of of accounts linked to the Thai military, which denied that it was finishing up data operations by way of social media.

Father’s Day

The Thai king’s look earlier this month was on Dec. 5, the birthday of the earlier king and likewise Thailand’s Father’s Day. Within the nation, the king’s picture is related to being the daddy of the folks, and royalist supporters might generally consult with the king as “father.”

Although this specific occasion takes place yearly, it felt extra laid again than traditional. It was held in a flat, grassy space in entrance of the royal palace, one in all Bangkok’s hottest vacationer spots. On the strolling route there, all the road was was a festival-like ambiance with photographs and portraits explaining the contributions the royal household have made to Thailand. 

“It’s a blessing for my life to be that near them [the royal family],” one girl mentioned whereas driving the prepare to the scene. “And even when I couldn’t make it, I’d mild a candle at dwelling whereas watching it reside on TV.”

The exhibitions delved into how Vajiralongkorn’s father Bhumibol was a brilliant proficient jazz musician and an agricultural visionary who helped Thais be ample. Most individuals wore yellow, the colour related to the king and by extension the monarchy. Journalists who lined the occasion had been advised to put on yellow ties.

A girl takes a photograph of a mural with the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej subsequent to his son the present monarch, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who might be seen in navy uniform. Picture: Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj

Safety was lighter than anticipated, although guards searched luggage and requested individuals to take off their masks and maintain their ID subsequent to their face. IDs had been additionally scanned with a smartphone.

Portraits and prizes

Some firms and companies had been showcasing their merchandise on the occasion. Others held a trivia sport to reply questions concerning the earlier king, and handed out small prizes.

Teams of households introduced their youngsters and pals chatting excitedly. Everybody waited patiently for the king to reach. When he did, many held up portraits of him and his father, some with tears of their eyes and waving the Thai flag.

Touring partly in a golf buggy with household, the king made his means by way of the group, smiling on a regular basis and waving. As soon as by way of, he gave a speech on stage, calmly and slowly. There was a hush over the group, nobody mentioned a phrase, and lots of had been glued to the tv screens that had been positioned across the occasion. The night ended at round 9:30PM.

Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn (C) talks to Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol (2nd L) as they sit with Queen Suthida (2nd R), Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana (R) and royal noble consort Sineenat Bilaskalayani (L), often known as Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi, in a golf buggy throughout a ceremony to commemorate the birthday of the late Thai king Bhumibol Adulyadej at Sanam Luang in Bangkok on Dec. 5, 2020. Picture: Lillian Suwanrumpha

It’s tough to say whether or not the allure offensive is working with Thai protesters, who’ve created memes placing the king’s phrases subsequent to pictures of crackdowns at demonstrations. A number of have additionally just lately been summoned to reply costs beneath the royal defamation regulation. Gatherings proceed to take intention at establishments loyal to the monarchy. A latest demonstration outdoors at Siam Industrial Financial institution, during which the royal household has a majority stake, and on the 11th Infantry Regiment (King’s Guard). 

The protest motion has slowed in latest weeks, however it doesn’t seem like going anyplace, and up to date feedback point out a resurgence. On Dec. 10, one of many leaders, Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul, introduced on stage that it might be the final demonstration of this yr. However in 2021, they might “improve the stress.”