Parents of Former Thai Princess Accused of Lese Majeste

 

BANGKOK – The Royal Thai Police have reported that the parents of the former wife of Thailand’s Crown Prince, who resigned from her status as a member of the Royal Family last December, are facing charges of lese majeste.

According to a Khaosod News article, lese majeste (insult of monarchy) charges were filed by Sawita Maneechan, a resident in Ratchaburi province. Sawita accused Apiruj and Wantanee Suwadee, the parents of former princess Srirasmi, of using their royal connection to bully her in 2003.

Pol.Maj.Gen. Thitirat Nongharnpitak said police will investigate the allegation.

Defaming the Royal Family is punishable by up to 15 years in prison under Thailand’s lese majeste law. Charges can be filed by any member of the public.

Meanwhile, Former Princess Srirasmi’s sister Sudathip Muangnuan was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for citing her status as the sister of former princess Srirasmi, the wife of Thailand’s Crown Prince, to sell overpriced food products to the royal palace for the past 12 years.

Sudathip was arrested on 10 December 2014 and identified by police as a conspirator in a massive corruption and extortion ring run by high-ranking police officers in the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB). At least 26 people have been arrested in connection with the alleged crime syndicate.