June 17, 2008
BANGKOK - A woman arrested for refusing to stand as the anthem played in a Bangkok cinema can face up to 15 years in prison, according to the police.
Ratchapin Chancharoen, 28, was arrested Sunday evening and charged with insulting King Bhumibol Adulyadej by not standing during the anthem.
Ratchapin had gone to the theatre to watch "The Other Boleyn Girl," a story about England's King Henry VIII, according to AFP.
Other theatre-goers became angry when she refused to stand, and Ratchapin began shouting "impolite words" after the anthem ended.
Ratchapin was allowed to watch the movie before police took her away.
Major Charoen Srisalak, deputy chief investigator of the Bangkok police, said the suspect refused to answer any questions during interrogation.
"She said only that she did what she wanted to do. Police charged her with insulting the monarchy," he said.
It was reported she looked like a mentally-sick person and was sent to a medical doctor for further checkup.
If convicted, Ratchapin faces from three to 15 years in prison.
