Thailand Opens Investigation Into Allegations BBC Insulted Its New King

Thailand’s government has launched an investigation into the local BBC team on suspicion of insulting the monarchy in a recent report on the profile of King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun.

Image result for King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun

According to the Bangkok Post, the Defence Ministry ordered authorities to investigate the matter involving a report last Friday after the King accepted the invitation from Parliament to accede to the throne.

Anyone who has broken the law and caused damage must be dealt with,” said Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon.

Prawit added the government has been monitoring foreign news agencies for reports on issues deemed sensitive to check the accuracy of the reports.
Under Thai law, offending the dignity of a reigning monarchy is a serious crime punishable by law with up to 15 years in prison. International rights groups have criticised the lese-majeste law, saying it leaves too much room for interpretation and that the penalties are too severe.