Thai protests on hold as king calls for ‘stability’
Thailand protests are put on hold to mark the birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who called on people to do their duty “for the sake of the public” without referencing the ongoing political turmoil.
The country has been gripped by a public uprising against the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who is accused of being a proxy for her ousted brother, Thaksin.
At times the protests have turned violent, and five people are reported to have been killed. However, both sides reached a truce this week in time for the king’s birthday on Thursday.
Tomorrow the people’s movement will continue in order to eradicate the Thaksin regime from Thailand and return the power to the people.Suthep Thaugsuban
The 86-year-old king, who has diffused previous crises, called for stability and security in Thailand.
“All Thais should realise this point a lot and behave and perform our duties accordingly, our duty for the sake of the public, for stability, security for our nation of Thailand,” he told a gathering of the country’s top leaders.
The birthday ceremony was held at the king’s seaside palace in Hua Hin, 118 miles south of Bangkok. Amongst those present was the embattled prime minister, who promised to fulfil the king’s wishes.
On the streets of Bangkok anti-government protesters turned their attentions to celebrating the king’s birthday, and watched the king speak on a giant screen However, the protest’s leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, said protests would resume on Friday.
“Tomorrow the people’s movement will continue in order to eradicate the Thaksin regime from Thailand and return the power to the people,” he said.