Sunday 23 October 2016

Thailand's Government has met with representatives from Internet giant Google, amid growing calls from Thai hardline royalists to bring those who insult the monarchy to justice, as many Thais look with uncertainty to a future without their revered king.

Thailand's Government has met with representatives from Internet giant Google, amid growing calls from Thai hardline royalists to bring those who insult the monarchy to justice, as many Thais look with uncertainty to a future without their revered king.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej's death on October 13 has thrown the country of 67 million into mourning.
It has also led to the rise of ultra-royalist vigilante groups who say they will punish anyone perceived to have insulted the monarchy during a highly sensitive time for Thailand.
Deputy Prime Minister Prajin Juntong said he met with Google representatives in Bangkok.
Google affirmed in the meeting it would continue to help the Government remove content from YouTube, a Google subsidiary, that it deemed offensive, he said.
That conforms with Google's practice around the world, Alphabet Inc's Google said.
"We have always had clear and consistent policies for removal requests from governments around the world and we continue to operate in line with those policies," a Google spokesperson said.
Thailand's royal insult law, known as Article 112 in the criminal code, makes it a crime to insult the king, queen, heir or regent.
Those who are found guilty face up to 15 years in prison.

Royal anthem honours King


Meanwhile, a massive crowd has gathered in central Bangkok to sing a special version of Thailand's royal anthem in honour of the deceased King.
A large field in front of the ornate Grand Palace complex was packed with black-clad mourners, as were all the approach roads.
Police eventually closed the roads to traffic.
The king's body is lying in one of the palaces in the complex while royal funeral ceremonies are going on.
No date has been set for cremation, which will likely take place after a year.
Reuters/AP

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