About 1,200 people today held a rally in support of the Thai royal family after many protests broke out in the country demanding institutional reform.

Waving the national flag and holding a photo of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, the mob belonged to a group known as "Thai Pakdee", made mostly of the elderly, calling for the protection of the monarchy and the country.

Gathered at an indoor stadium in the capital Bangkok, some wearing capitals with the words "We Love the King", others holding banners with messages like "Save the Nation", "

"Our group's point is to defend the monarchy with knowledge and truth," said prominent right-wing politician Warong Dechgitvigrom, who launched the group "Thai Pakdee" earlier this month.

"I want the new generation to respect the country, religion, and royalty as much as possible because without one of those factors, the country cannot survive," said Somporn Sooklert, 63, the participant.

The rally took place in Thailand for a month in turmoil over student-led protests, calling on Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha to step down, build a new constitution and hold an election.

Many protesters also called for reform of the monarchy, which is a taboo topic.