BANGKOK (THAILAND) – In the latest among dozens of people charged in recent months for insulting the monarchy, musician and activist Chaiamorn “Ammy” Kaewwiboonpan, 32 was arrested on accusation of burning a portrait of Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn. He was arrested in Ayutthaya province north of Bangkok.
Chaiamorn is charged under a strict lese majeste law that carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison if found guilty, as well as arson and trespassing on government property.
Commenting on the same Bangkok police chief Pakapong Pongpetra said, “We have both witnesses and forensic evidence,” adding Chaiamorn was not the only person suspected of involvement. Chaiamorn was receiving medical treatment at a hospital for an injury unrelated to his arrest, police said.
Chaiamorn’s lawyer Sasinan Thamnithinan said he would be granted access to him later on Wednesday when police take a statement from his client.
The portrait burning took place the same day, hours before protesters marched on a Bangkok military base to call for the king to give up direct control over army units transferred to him in 2019 by the government of Prayuth, a former military chief.