Democrat spokesperson to hold rally against Nitiraj

Democrat Party deputy spokesperson Jitphat Piromphakdee on Friday called on Thais to rally to pledge loyalty to His Majesty the King and to oppose amendment to the lese-majesty law.

Jitphat said the rally will be held at the Royal Plaza at noon on Saturday. She added that it was her personal campaign and had not been sanctioned by the Democrats.

During the rally, a statement to pledge loyalty to the King will be read and the demonstrators will sign their names to express opposition to the planned amendment of the Criminal Code Article 112, which the Nitiraj group is pushing for, she said.

Jitphat said the campaign of the Nitiraj group of academics violated the monarchy.

She said she has invited the public through her personal Facebook page to join the rally and many Facebook users had posted messages that they would join the demonstration.

Those planning to join the rally include students of Chitralada School and members of the We Love the King Facebook page.

Jitphat said Tul SitthiSomwong, the leader of the multi-coloured group, also planned to take part.

The Nitiraj group, which comprises young academics, has infuriated the public by proposing charter amendments to require the King to swear that he will protect and abide by the Constitution.

The group also proposed amendments to Article 112 to allow the members of the public to criticise the King on the grounds that such criticisms are made with good intentions.