BANGKOK, Dec. 9 (UPI) — Thai police are investigating possible defamatory remarks made by a newly minted U.S. ambassador about a law that bans criticism of the monarchy.
Glyn Davies will not face arrest or criminal charges because of diplomatic immunity, but is facing harsh condemnation after allegedly criticizing the strict les majeste law, which outlaws defaming of the country’s king, queen or heirs.
Officials said Davies, on Nov. 25, expressed the United States’ concerns over the “lengthy and unprecedented” prison sentences handed down for violations of Section 112 of the country’s criminal code. In August, two Thai citizens were each sentenced to 60 years in prison for writing “offensive” comments on Facebook about the monarchy.
Davies made the comments during a Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand meeting. The club said it has been asked by the police to participate in the investigation.
Davies, appointed U.S. envoy to Thailand on Sept. 14, previously served as special representative of the U.S. Secretary of State for North Korea policy and in other diplomatic positions.
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