Protesters wear crop tops to mock Thai king in 'daring' demonstration against the monarchy

Protesters wear crop tops to mock Thai king in 'daring' demonstration against the monarchy

Protesters mocking the Thai king wore crop tops and sprayed a democracy plaque outside the Thai parliament this afternoon (September 24).

One demonstrator wore a white crop top similar to the bizarre style of clothing worn in public by the country's notorious king, who has a consort and harem of women.

There was also a cardboard cut-out caricature of the monarch wearing a crop-top.

The demonstration came on the same day that King Maha Vajiralongkorn arrived in Thailand for a brief visit from Europe to mark Prince Mahidol Day.

Strict lese-majeste laws make criticism of the monarchy illegal, with offenders facing lengthy jail terms. Officers prepared water cannon trucks to quell any violence or unrest during the daring protest.

A democracy plaque was also sprayed in gold paint outside the Parliament House following the installation of a smilier plaque at the weekend when thousands of protesters converged on the Sanum Luang royal field in front of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

The rallies marked one of the most direct confrontations against the country's monarchy ever seen.

Dozens of protests have been held in recent months amid anger from activists.

Opponents of the ruling military party, which seized power in a coup in 2014 and won elections in 2019, are critical of the army's strong-arm tactics to silence critics to maintain its grip on power.

Wide-ranging complaints include a lack of transparency, low levels of democracy, economic equality and issues with the country's reputation for police and political country.