A police IT task force has been set up to monitor websites and track down those who offend the monarchy.  Police find it difficult to deal with websites whose servers are located abroad.  The Crime Suppression Division is investigating Thaksin’s phone-ins, and charges are likely to be made.   

Pol Lt Gen Somdej Khaokham, Commander of the Office of Information Technology and Communication, said on Aug 9 that the government had urged the police to strictly enforce the law against offenders.  The police have found about 20-30 such websites every month.

Police have had difficulties in probing websites whose servers are located abroad due to lack of cooperation, and consequently cannot track down offenders.

However, there are offensive websites whose servers are inside the country, and the police have coordinated with the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (MICT) to have them shut down and to prosecute the web owners.

Pol Lt Gen Somdej said that a new IT taskforce has been set up, which includes webmasters and computer-savvy staff.  For a few years now the Office has constantly updated its equipment in tracking down those who post offensive pictures and comments in an organized fashion.

The Commander said that all Thais should respect the monarchy.  The subversive movement has been posting untrue messages, slandering and offensive to the throne.

According to the Commander, the police have found that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s phone-ins to red shirt rallies constituted lèse majesté and charges will be made soon.