Thai police yesterday launched an inquiry into criticism by the US ambassador of a harsh royal insult law just a day after the junta rapped Britain’s envoy for his remarks on the freedom of assembly.
US Ambassador to Thailand Glyn Davies made the remarks in an address on Nov. 25 at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand criticizing the military regime for “the lengthy and unprecedented” jail sentences handed down under the law, which exists ostensibly to protect the royal family.
Critics said the law is often used to pursue political opponents and that it has been increasingly broadly interpreted in recent years.
Photo: AFP
Thailand’s military has proved sensitive to criticism from the West since seizing power in May last year, and has drawn closer to countries such as China which have expressed support for the junta.
Davies’ speech sparked a small protest outside the US embassy in Bangkok last month by a group of nationalists.
Police said a formal investigation had not been launched, but an inquiry was under way following a formal complaint.
“This matter is being investigated according to a complaint filed against the ambassador,” said Dejnarong Suthicharnbancha, a spokesman for the Royal Thai Police.
“We cannot conclude anything now and are following step by step,” he said.
Piyaphand Pingmuang, another police spokesman, said a formal investigation was unlikely.
“His Excellency the ambassador has diplomatic immunity so it is unlikely anything will proceed against him,” he said.
A US embassy spokeswoman said she could not immediately comment on the matter.
Thailand’s royal insult laws are among the world’s harshest and, under Article 112 of the Criminal Code, anyone who “defames, insults or threatens the king, queen, heir-apparent or regent” faces up to 15 years in jail.
During its 18-month rule, the junta has cracked down on perceived royal insults and handed down record jail sentences.
The investigation into the US ambassador’s speech follows government criticism of comments by Briitish Ambassador to Thailand Mark Kent on Twitter.
On Monday, Kent commented on the detention of dozens of student activists who were trying to protest against alleged army corruption, saying he had hoped that the fact people were allowed to demonstrate outside the US embassy meant a relaxation on freedom of assembly.
The students were later released.
“It is disappointing that the ambassador took a position that has ended up supporting a group that has often broken the law,” deputy government spokesman Weerachon Sukhondhapatipak said.
The junta has banned gatherings of more than five people and has summoned dozens of activists for questioning since taking power.
It was unclear why the junta allowed the protest outside the US embassy.
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