Police launch manhunt for anti-monarchy network boss

Police have sought a warrant for the arrest of a man who is allegedly the leader of the anti-monarchy “Banpodj” network and offered a 200,000-baht bounty for clues leading to his capture.

Police spokesman Prawut Thawornsiri said a manhunt is under way for Hasadin Uraipraiwan who is suspected of being involved in the production of lese majeste content including hundreds of clips.

He said a warrant was sought after police raided the suspect’s house on Friday in Soi Sukhumvit 101 and seized equipment used in the production of lese majeste content.

He said police also found lese majeste content including fabricated audio clips uploaded to a server for members to download. Officers also seized financial documents and pirate CDs offered for sale to raise funds for the network’s activities.

Pol Lt Gen Prawut said Mr Hasadin is believed to be hiding in the country and police are expanding the investigation to identify the network’s financial supporters. Police have set a reward of 200,000 baht for information leading to the man’s arrest.

He added that two members of the Banpodj network were arrested last week. Saifon Inthasorn allegedly opened bank accounts to receive funds for the group’s activities while Natee Pasomsap was allegedly hired to distribute the lese majeste content.

Police also are looking for those behind the recent distribution of a forged statement about the King’s health. One man has been nabbed for allegedly sharing it online.

Pol Lt Gen Prawut said warrants will be issued soon for others thought to be involved.