The conflict between local leaders in Northeastern Nakhon Ratchasima Province, aka Korat, has led to a lese majeste accusation. The conflict is centered around the campaign to separate Bua Yai and seven other districts from the big province in the Northeast.
Kampan Boonyued, a former civil servant in Bua Yai District and leader of the establishment of Bua Yai Province campaign, met with police investigators on Tuesday to respond to the accusation under Article 112, aka lese majeste law, filed by the leaders of the group opposing the establishment of Bua Yai Province.
The complaints also accused Sarawut Nuanponkrang and Arun Akarapridi, two other leaders of Bua Yai District of defaming the monarchy. They however have not been summoned to testify to the police, according to Arun’s Facebook post.
The accusation stated that on 16 February the pro-Bua Yai province group publicized on Facebook the Establishment of Bua Yai Province Bill and falsely claimed that it was already signed by the King and counter-signed by Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Kampan told ASTV-Manager online that the accusation was filed because the conflict surrounding Bua Yai. The complaint is aimed at stopping the Bua Yai group to campaign for the establishment of Thailand’s 78th province.
Bua Yai is a big district in the north of Korat. The proposed Bua Yai Province will include eight districts in the north of the province. While the pro-Bua Yai Province says the separation will lead to more development, the opposition uses inseparable local identity, centered on the controversial legend of Thao Suranari as argument.