US AMBASSADOR Robert F. Godec personally received a letter from pro-monarchy groups rallying in front of the embassy to demand that the US stop alleged interference in Thailand’s internal affairs, Thai Rath newspaper said this afternoon (May 24).
The US ambassador told three members of the pro-monarchy groups who were allowed into the compound to directly hand over their letter to him that the US respects the Thai monarchy and does not particularly support any Thai political party while waiting to work together with the government that emerges from democracy.
Followers of the ultra-royalist group People’s Centre to Protect the Monarchy led by Mr. Anon Klinkaew and two other similar groups had arranged this rally in front of the embassy. Their members, mostly elderly, had walked there behind a pick-up truck fitted with loudspeakers playing anti-communist songs.
Once there they staged their demonstration in front of the embassy holding up the Thai flag and some placards criticising the US. Mr. Sonthiya Sawasdee, a former member of the Palang Pracharat Party, too joined in and gave a speech.
After that Mr. Noppakhun Thongtin, the deputy leader of People’s Centre to Protect the Monarchy, read a statement addressed to the US ambassador urging the US to reconsider its role, duties, diplomatic etiquette and respect the kingdom of Thailand.
Anon too gave a speech criticising the US and at one point mentioned that after the election US had issued a statement urging Thailand to form a government as soon as possible.
He raised this as interference as the Thai election law already stipulated that a government has to be set up within 60 days of an election being held.
He added that his network does not object to election winners forming a government but warned them not to amend the lese majeste law, better known as Section 112 of the Criminal Code.
However after Anon handed the letter to the US ambassador he said it was an honour that he had personally met them to receive it.
CAPTION:
US Ambassador Robert F. Godec receiving a letter from representatives of pro-monarchy groups, above, and the demonstration in front of the embassy, below and Front Page. All photos: Thai Rath
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