Push for critics’ return

BANGKOK: Thailand’s top security officer will go to neighbouring Laos to push for the extradition of critics of the Thai monarchy, says Thailand’s defence minister.

Insulting the monarchy carries a jail term of up to 15 years in Thailand and prosecutions have risen since the death last October of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. His son, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, has taken the throne.

The government has asked seven countries, including Laos, to extradite a total of 19 suspects accused of the crime of lese majeste. None has said it would.

General Thawip Netniyom, the head of the Thai National Security Council, would travel to Laos to follow up on the request. – Reuters