Crowds criticize man suspected of defaming Thai King

Hundreds of people in Phuket surrounded a shop to condemn a man they believe insulted the king.

Crowds outside a soy milk shop. Photo: AP

Crowds blocked the road outside the soy milk shop on Friday night, holding signs with insulting words such as “you buffalo” — local slang for stupid. Some shouted at the man to leave, according to AP.

“If you don't love the King, who else in this country can you love?” someone in the angry crowd shouted.

Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej passed away on October 13 at the age of 88, causing grief across the country.

Police and a community leader used loudspeakers to disperse the crowd by leading them into a local police station.

Thai media reported that the crowd's anger stemmed from online comments made by the man long before the king's death.

Thailand has harsh lèse-majesté laws - punishable by prison terms for actions or writings deemed offensive to the king or the royal family.

Phuket police commander Theerapol Thipcharoen said the public "showed their love for the king and were upset with anyone who disrespected him".

“But they don't engage in violence and they know that would be inappropriate, especially in these times,” he said.

According to VNE