Thailand launches investigation into BBC for alleged insult of new king
Thailand has opened an investigation into the BBC’s local language service for alleged defamation and blocked access to an online profile of the country’s new king, less than a week after he succeeded to the throne.
General Prawit Wongsuwan, deputy prime minister and minister of defence, said that authorities were investigating whether the article breached the country’s strict lèse-majesté laws.
Around 10 police officers visited the BBC office on Tuesday but found it closed. They reportedly helped themselves to a delivery of Yakult milk drink left at the door before leaving. Members of the army arrived later to ask about the police visit. The BBC did not provide a comment for this article.
Anyone who “defames, insults or threatens” a member of the Thai royal family can face three to 15 years in jail on each charge. Under the law, the government is compelled to investigate any case raised by a member of the public.
The BBC profile explained how the new king was educated in Thailand, the UK and Australia, and flies his own Boeing 737 when travelling abroad.
It said questions were raised about his fitness to succeed to the throne when he was formally titled as heir in 1972, adding that he does not command the same level of respect his father built during seven decades on the throne.
When attempting to access the article in Thailand, a message appears from the ministry for digital economy and society, announcing that the website contains “inappropriate information”.
Following its publication in Thai, angry comments were posted on Facebook including physical threats and the location of the BBC’s Bangkok office.
