Thailand protests: royalists scour internet for defamation cases against King Vajiralongkorn

‘We’re like Ronin warriors’, says a royalist filing police reports against protesters under Section 112 of the criminal code

More than a dozen protest leaders have been summoned by authorities under the country’s lèse-majesté law

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Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn, left, and Queen Suthida, right, meet supporters after attending a ceremony in Bangkok on Wednesday. Photo: AP

Published: 3:48pm, 29 Nov 2020Updated: 10:41pm, 29 Nov 2020

Left unchecked, rampant criticism of the Thai king by pro-democracy protesters will become like “ringworm”, according to arch-royalist Nopadol Prompasit. “It will just keep spreading.”

The 56-year-old said he sees it as his duty to apply “the ointment” by reporting protesters under Section 112 of Thailand’s criminal code – the infamous lèse-majesté law that outlaws criticism of the royal family and carries punishments of up to 15 years in jail.

In recent weeks, Nopadol, who founded the Thailand Help Centre for Cyberbullying Victims, has been scouring the internet, following up on messages concerning videos or Facebook posts that allegedly show those who have disrespected the country’s apex institution.

Since King Maha Vajiralongkorn ascended to the throne in 2016 following the death of his father, the much revered Bhumibol Adulyadej, the offence of royal defamation had largely been dormant.

Protesters are seen at a rally demanding royal assets be handed back to the people in Bangkok on Wednesday. Photo: Reuters

But as open attacks have grown on the king’s wealth and personal conduct amid a youth-led movement that seeks the removal of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha – as well as constitutional changes and reforms to the monarchy – at least a dozen protest leaders have received police summons: the first step towards being formally charged under Section 112.

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