Thai government warns of instability risk
The Thai Government, on October 20, called on its people to stand side by side in grief following the death of their beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
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Government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said peace should be kept during this period of mourning, stressing that what the country needs now is unity and understanding.
He was quoted by the Bangkok Post as saying that the prime minister understands the feelings of the people unfailingly loyal to the monarchy. “But everyone has to be reminded that the monarchy must not be dragged into any conflicts," he said.
He warned that illegal activities will be punished according to the law.
The warning was released after a series of public disturbances caused by people taking matters into their own hands concerning insults to the royal. Police said people who defame the monarchy online will face criminal proceeding. As of October 20, at least 12 people were convicted of breaching Section 112 of the Criminal Code.
On October 19, Justice Minister Paiboon Koomchaya sent letters to embassies of seven countries, requesting extradition of 19 people suspected of insulting the nation’s monarchy.
