BANGKOK
Several senior Thai police officers are to face charges of insulting the monarchy and bribery, local media reported Sunday, as fears mount over the health of Thailand’s king.
Among those arrested are the head of the Central Investigation Bureau, Police Lieutenant General Pongpat Chayaphan; his deputy, Police Major General Kowit Wongrungroj; and head of the marine police, Police Major General Boonsueb Praitheuan.
Warrants have also been issued for two other police officers and three civilians, the Bangkok Post reported.
Under Thailand’s lese majeste laws, any insult or criticism of the Royal family is punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment. Since the military coup in May there has been a marked increase in prosecutions, which take place in military courts where there is no possibility of appeal.
The arrests come as concerns mount over 86-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s health. He has been in hospital following an operation to remove his gall bladder last month and on Friday he failed to attend a scheduled meeting to confirm two ministers appointed by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha.
Bhumibol, the world's longest-reigning monarch, came to the throne in 1946 and is seen as key to the stability of Thailand, where he holds a revered, quasi-religious status.
Former general Chan-ocha is a royalist who has clamped down on any perceived criticism of the monarchy.
Months of unrest leading up to the army takeover were tinged with monarchist sentiments amid concern over the succession. Bhumibol’s heir, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, is not as popular as his father.
Police spokesman Prawut Thawornsiri did not say when the eight suspects were arrested, the Post reported. Between them, they face charges of lese majeste, bribery, abuse of power, money laundering, forest destruction, illegal building and possession of protected animal carcasses.
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