Regional News
Thailand’s Justice Ministry Goes After Lese-Majesty Suspects in Foreign Countries
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BANGKOK – Thailand’s Justice Ministry is drafting a letter to be sent to Foreign Embassies and Diplomats based in Thailand, asking for their countries assistance in repatriating those insulting the Thai monarchy to face court.
Thai Justice Minister General Paiboon Koomchaya told local media, the list of the lese-majesty perpetrators is an old list and that he has asked the relevant agencies to track down the suspects in which countries are currently residing.
“This (the move) is not new. We had in the past reached out to foreign ministers on this matter,” he added.
Thai authorities also said Tuesday they would crack down on the spreading of false information and rumours on social media, following the passing of His Majesty.
A spokesman for the National Council for Peace and Order, Piyapong Klinpan, told reporters the move was also designed to prevent royalist vigilantes taking matters into their own hands by attacking others for allegedly insulting the late king, following numerous reports of violence.
Thailand’s lese-majesty law is among the toughest in the world and perpetrators can face between three and 15 years in prison.
On Monday, a middle-aged woman was slapped in the face and subjected to verbal abuse by her fellow bus passengers who accused her of defaming the late king.
A video clip that went viral online showed her being forced off the bus and then smacked again on the street afterwards
Source: DPA | The Nation