September 4, 2008
Bangkok - An Australian writer and lecturer was arrested for insulting the royal family at the Suvarnabhumi Airport, according to the immigration police.
Harry Nicolaides, 41, was detained at Suvarnabhumi Airport departure lounge on Sunday night following an arrest warrant issued two-and-a-half years ago, according to AFP.
The Crime Suppression Division was notified by the foreign ministry that the suspect wrote an article insulting a member of the royal family.
The Criminal Court issued the arrest warrant on March 13, 2006, according to immigration police official Lieutenant Colonel Pakpapong Sai-ubol.
The warrant is still valid.
Nicolaides previously worked as a university lecturer while he was living in the northern Thailand.
He could face up to 15-year imprisionment if convicted of lese majeste.
