Thai monarchy supporters rally in Bangkok

Pro-monarchists in Bangkok held a rally on Tuesday in support of Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn amid demands by pro-democracy demonstrators for constitutional changes and reforms to the monarchy. Yellow-shirted monarchists sang patriotic songs in front of the portrait of their king. The scrutiny and public criticism of the monarchy displayed by some pro-democracy protesters are unprecedented in a country where the royal institution has been considered sacrosanct.

It led royalists to stage counter-rallies and to denounce the protesters for raising the issue, increasing the risk of confrontation. Defaming the monarchy can be punished by up to 15 years in prison under Thailand's tough law.