Phuket man accused of lese majeste, saved from mob over social media post

PHUKET: Hundreds of angry Phuket residents gathered in front of the Nam Tou Hu Samkong dessert shop on Yaowarat Rd in Phuket Town early this morning (Oct 15) after the shop owner allegedly posted disrespectful comments about the Royal Family on social media.

Saturday 15 October 2016, 12:25PM

The angry crowd gathered at the man’s home at midnight last night. Photo: Kitsakorn Mahanchakornpong

Around 100 residents gathered outside the Nam Tao Hu Samkong at midnight last night to voice their anger over posts made on Facebook by 30-year-old Sutee Arammatapongsa in relation to the Thai Royal Family.

However, upon arrival the group found the shop locked and no signs of anybody inside.

After learning about the gathering, a team of police and army officers were sent to the area to disperse the group, however, the crowd were adamant that they would not be moved.

Soon after, Phuket Provincial Police Commander Maj Gen Teeraphol Thipjaroen arrived and told the group that before any charges could be brought against Sutee that further evidence would have to be collected from witness to allow the matter to progress according to the law.

Following that announcement a large group of the protesters made their way to Phuket City Police Station to file complaints against Sutee.

A representative from the group, Surin Liamudom, 53, said that he had informed officers at the station of the alleged lese majeste offence.

“I have reported Sutee Arammatapongsa, 30, to the police for breach of Section 112 (of the Thai Criminal Code). I filed my report to Lt Surachat Thongbai, who has made a record of my complaint,” he said.

Lt Surachat said, “I will collect evidence in relation to the complaint and follow up on this case.”