Images released by Thailand's palace shows King Maha Vajiralongkorn visiting prisoners and sweeping floors with his royal consort Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi. The royal family is stepping up its public appearances after facing mass protests demanding reforms to the monarchy. The images of the king and his royal consort were shown in a segment on the nightly royal bulletin on state and private TV channels on Saturday. The royal consort was restored to her position in September 2020 after having been stripped of her titles in October 2019.
They were photographed sweeping floors and speaking to officials during the last two months of 2020. The segment also featured interviews with inmates speaking about the benefits of the projects. Thai monarchy has been facing protests calling for the resignation of military-backed Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and reforms to the monarchy that is considered semi-divine and above criticism. The public appearances are an attempt by the monarchy to renew its image. The young protestors, who are mainly students demand that the parliament be dissolved, the constitution be amended and for the government to stop harassing dissidents and others.
Regarding the protestors, the king had said in October, “We love them all the same.” King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Queen Suthida and his daughters set out on visits around Thailand, posing for selfies and signing pictures.
