The government of Thailand is considering a request to extradite Thai nationals suspected of insulting the country's monarchy.
Thailand's ruling military junta announced Tuesday that it will seek extradition for people overseas thought to have criticized the monarchy following the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadeij last week, Reuters reports.
The country is currently in a year-long mourning period and emotions are running high. Thai law includes strict lese majeste regulations banning criticism of any member of the royal family. Violations of this law can earn a jail sentence of up to 15 years.
According to the news source, the junta is watching six high-profile lese majeste suspects abroad whom they accuse of attempting to stir up unrest in the country.
Reuters quotes Justice Minister Paiboon Koomchaya, who told reporters: "We will ask for cooperation, friendship and respect from these countries, and we hope that they understand that all Thais cannot accept these insults."
Closer to home, the junta has asked citizens to report instances of criticism to authorities, while internet service providers have been ordered to block inappropriate content.
Unfortunately this has opened the door for vigilante justice. Khao Sod reports an incident in Chonburi, a city on the Gulf of Thailand, in which a mob dragged a man accused of posting defamatory statements regarding the monarchy online out of his bedroom, beat him and forced him to kneel before a picture of King Bhumibol. The assault was streamed live on Facebook.
This comes on the heels of a similar incident in Bangkok, where a woman accused of lese majeste was slapped in the face and forced off a bus. Again, the encounter was filmed and posted on social media.
Meanwhile, the junta is working to allay concerns over the vacant throne following the king's death, reports Asian Correspondent. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha has said that the royal succession plan can start to be carried out as soon as 15 days after King Bhumibol's passing.
According to the news source, the prime minister affirmed that the Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will accede to the throne, but the prince has requested a delay so that he can mourn his father's death. For now, Prem Tinsulanonda, head of the Privy Council, will stand in as regent.
[Photo via IB Times]
