Arrest warrants have been issued for a Thai general and two senior police officers for royal defamation, authorities said on Thursday, part of a snowballing probe linked to the palace that has seen two suspects die in military custody.
Cases under Thailand's controversial lese majeste law have surged since the junta took over last year at a time of intense concern over the health of the kingdom's revered but ailing 87-year-old monarch Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Under the widely interpreted draconian law, anyone convicted of insulting the king, queen, heir or regent can face up to 15 years in jail on each count.
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The ongoing probe has given the Thai public a rare glimpse of alleged wrongdoing among the country's elite including high ranking members of the security forces.
Thailand's powerful army have long portrayed themselves as protectors of the monarchy and it is unusual for soldiers to be implicated in lese majeste.
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But a string of military and police officers have now been ensnared in allegations they used their apparent royal connections to demand cash.
There has been intense concern in Thailand over the health of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
At a press conference in Bangkok on Thursday police named four new suspects wanted for royal defamation, including Major General Suchart Prommai, a high ranking army officer.
