Thai royalists launch political party to protect monarchy

FILE PHOTO: Royalists wave flags during the appearance of Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida, in Bangkok, Thailand, November 25, 2020. REUTERS/Chalinee Thirasupa

BANGKOK (Reuters) - An ultra royalist group in Thailand launched a new political party on Wednesday to defend King Maha Vajiralongkorn, amid unprecedented calls for reform of the monarchy by a youth-led protest movement.

The "Thai Pakdee" (Loyal Thai) party is an offshoot of a royalist group of the same name formed last August to counter street demonstrations with rallies in support of the king.