Thai police commander has demanded that Thai people stop harassing lèse majesté offenders, adding that 12 people have been prosecuted since King Bhumibol’s death.      

 

On 19 October 2016, Chakthip Chaijinda, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, asked the public to report lèse majesté cases to the police, rather than harassing suspected offenders. He added that the police have so far prosecuted 12 people for lèse majesté since King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s death on 13 October, reported Matichon Online.

 

“On the prosecution of online lèse majesté offenders, I’ve urged local authorities to closely follow the cases since 13 October. So far, officers have prosecuted 12 suspects under Article 112 (the lèse majesté law),” said the police commander. “Eight arrest warrants have been issued. Two suspects have been arrested. And charges will soon be filed against two people. For offenders living abroad, we’re asking for cooperation [from other countries].”

 

According to Matichon Online, Chakthip also said that assaulting lèse majesté offenders is anyway illegal so he asked royalists to stop the practice, adding that those who fail to cooperate will be prosecuted.