Royal Guards parade their loyalty to the monarchy

The Army's First Infantry Division of the Royal Guard yesterday organised a mock exercise billed by its commander Maj-General Kampanat Ruddit as a show of force to uphold the monarchy.

"The Army has multiple responsibilities to deal with external and internal security threats and the First Infantry Division has also a foremost duty as the Royal Guard," he said.

The mock exercise was held at the 11th Infantry Regiment.

Kampanat said soldiers of the Royal Guard are duty-bound to uphold the oath of allegiance taken every year to mark the King's birthday on December 5.

He said he wanted the Royal Guards to remember the oath - "I swear to give my life to protect the King's honour, I swear my loyalty to ensure His Majesty's safety until the day I die."

Speaking to reporters following the exercise, Kampanat said Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha had made it clear that the soldiers were fully behind the monarchy and the military would do everything in its power to protect and uphold the country's revered institution.

He said the monarchy was above politics, insisting the military's reverence for the King should not be politicised.