Royalists rally at US Embassy, call on Americans to stop “interfering” with Thai politics

Royalists gathered this morning at the United States Embassy in Bangkok and called on Americans to stop a so-called “hybrid war,” implying that the US government is interfering with Thailand politics during a time of ongoing pro-democracy protests.

Dressed in yellow, the colour symbolising the Thai Monarch, the protesters held signs calling on an end to an alleged hybrid war. Some waved the Thailand national flag and some held up photos of the Royal family. One sign read “Stop hybrid war. Please return peace to the world.”

A large sign was directed at Ambassador Michael George DeSombre, who also served on the board Hong Kong forum which, according to the US government, “seeks to promote the exchange of ideas between scholars and policymakers worldwide and to foster communication between the US and China.”

The sign read “Mr. DeSombre! Your job in Hong Kong was good, but it doesn’t work for Thailand.”

Former singer and member of the Thai Pakdee royalist group, Hurethai Muangboonsri, led the rally and accused the US government of creating divide in Thailand, without providing any details or evidence.

“Don’t make Thais fight among each other or our nation will collapse. Remember that! Stop the conflict and stop the interference. This is Thailand, not Hong Kong.”

It’s unclear how many people showed up at the rally, but Nation Thailand says 20 police officers from Lumpini Station were deployed to secure the area around the embassy.

Whether or not the US is meddling with Thai politics, a pro-democracy activist told The Thaiger in a previous interview that political protests in America have influenced and motivated some in Thailand to rally and speak up for change.

SOURCES: Nation Thailand| US Government

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