Royalist group wants Thanathorn expelled from country for monarchy reform speech
A group calling itself People Protecting the Institution on Monday rallied at a Bangkok building owned by the family of Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, demanding that he be expelled from the country.
About 60 cars and hundreds of people gathered at the Thai Summit Tower after accusing Thanathorn, co-leader of the Progressive Movement, of calling for reform of the monarchy during an event at Chulalongkorn University's Political Science Faculty on October 6.
"We came here today to warn Thanathorn about what he should not criticise, after he vowed to enable people to participate in monarchy reform,” said Chakrapong Klinkaew, leader of the group.
In a statement calling for Thanathorn’s expulsion, the group accused him of having vengeful feelings towards the monarchy without realising that he lived beneath His Majesty the King's graciousness. It added that most people did not agree with his move.
"We also want to ask people close to Thanathorn to consider whether it is good if he still exists and creates conflict among people," the statement said.
Chakrapong said People Protecting the Institution members will gather at Sanam Luang to welcome His Majesty King Rama X on October 14, but would not seek a confrontation with the anti-establishment protesters rallying on the same day.
According to press reports, Thanathorn travelled to Udon Thani today.