Thai youths face jail for burning late king’s photo

Five young individuals have been taken into custody over the torching of a photo of the country’s late former king.

Thai police said on Sunday that the five youths, aged between 14 and 20, had been detained on Friday in Khon Kaen, 450 kilometers northeast of the capital, Bangkok, after they confessed to setting a large photo of Thailand’s late King Bhumibol Adulyadej on fire.

The photo, measuring about two meters in height, was one of the numerous photos of the late king set up across the country is his honor after he died last year at the age of 88.

Police said all five suspects had confessed to receiving around 300 baht (87 cents) each by a local businessman to carry out the act.

They were transferred to the 11th Army Circle base in Bangkok soon after their arrest by police.

“It is a matter of national security and it is out of our hands now,” a police officer said.

No charges have been filed against any of the suspects yet, police said.

Authorities have launched a manhunt for Preecha Ngamdee, 45, who the suspects named as the businessman who allegedly hired them.

Thailand’s strict lese-majesty law prohibits criticizing, defaming, or insulting the royal family.

SS