Group of suspects held
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Well-known figure and police officer implicated in case
POLICE have detained a group of people under a Military Court order in connection with lese majeste charges.
Also facing arrest warrants are a well-known figure and at least one police officer.
National police chief Chakthip Chaijinda yesterday confirmed the detention and said police would today seek court approval for further detention of the group. He declined to the people publicly.
“Among the suspects are a well-known civilian and a police major who were allegedly involved in these lese majeste cases in violation of Article 112 of the Penal Code,”Chakthip said.
Earlier, eight police at the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) were reportedly shifted from their posts pending investigation into their alleged involvement in these cases, he said.
So far, the authorities have been tight-lipped about details of these allegations. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and military leaders have stressed that protecting the monarchy is one of their top priorities.
“We know that these suspects have abused the monarchy for personal benefit. The military has provided information to police to take legal action against these people,” Chakthip said.
Investigation under way
According to the police chief, investigation is under way to determine the level of involvement of these CIB police in the lese majeste cases.
Chakthip said Pol Lt-General Sriwara Rangsipramanakul, the deputy national police chief, was in charge of these cases.
In addition to lese majeste charges, the suspects could face other criminal charges for alleged wrongdoing, Chakthip said. At this stage, police are also gathering information on the suspects’ personal assets to |prepare the cases for the court.
Pol Maj-General Chayapol Chatchaidej of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, who is a member of the investigation committee responsible for the lese majeste cases, said details or the identity of all the suspects could not be disclosed at this time, because the issues were sensitive.
He said the group of suspects would be brought to the Military Court today for approval for further detention.
Chayapol declined to say if the eight CIB police who were transferred from their post were connected to the charges. He said the charges were serious, so only Chakthip or Sriwara were permitted to provide details to the public.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said police were doing their duty in accordance with the laws concerning lese majeste cases.
“So far there has been no report from investigators whether any police or military officers are involved in these cases,” said Prawit, adding that preparations for the upcoming December 5 “Bike for Dad” event to mark His Majesty the King’s birthday would not be affected by the investigation.
Prawit reiterated that the government would strictly enforce the laws, including Article 112 of the Penal Code, in the event that unscrupulous people were found to have committed wrongdoing.
Previously, former CIB chief Pol Lt-General Pongpat Chayapan was removed from his post for alleged involvement in separate lese majeste cases.
Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief General Sommai Kaotira earlier told a gathering with the newly appointed Army, Navy, Air Force and national police chiefs that the authorities would do their best to protect the monarchy.
They also plan to set up a cyberwarfare division at the Joint Operations Command to deal with cyberspace threats to national security.
