BANGKOK, July 18 (Reuters) - Thai prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat on Tuesday said he was willing to slow the pace of his party's ambitious reform agenda if he forms a government but would not retreat from its plan to amend a law prohibiting royal insults.
But the sentiment of the era has changed," he said in the interview.
"I'm still sticking to what I promised the voters ... the institution is above politics.
He added: "I cannot look them in the eye if I'm walking away from this issue."
The military has for decades invoked its duty to defend the monarchy to justify intervention in politics, and used the law against royal insult to stifle dissent, critics say.
Persons:
Pita Limjaroenrat, Pita, Martin Petty, Robert Birsel
Organizations:
Reuters, Thomson
Locations:
BANGKOK, Thailand