Thai royalists rally in defence of monarchy against anti-government movement

Supporters of the Thai monarchy hold up images of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej during the rally in Bangkok (Sakchai Lalit/AP)

About 1,000 people gathered in a Bangkok sports arena on Sunday, swearing to defend Thailand’s monarchy from a student-led mass movement they believe is a threat to the institution’s existence.

Calling themselves Thai Pakdee, or Loyal Thai, most were dressed in yellow shirts — a colour closely associated with the monarchy and the ruling establishment.