Lèse majesté Facebook post involves King’s favourite dog Tongdaeng

The problematic Facebook post which led to the Army in northern Thailand filing a lèse majesté complaint is about the King’s favourite dog Tongdaeng.
 
The Chiang Rai Army’s Peace and Order Maintenance Command earlier this week sent a representative to file the complaint at Chiang Rai Police Station on Tuesday, according to ASTV-Manager Online. 
 
It accused Praphat D., the owner of a travel company based in the province, of defaming the King on a Facebook profile under his name. 
 
 
Tongdaeng sits at the feet of the King on the King's 2012 New Year card
 
The alleged Facebook post, published on December 7, expressed dissatisfaction about the King’s praise of the dog and the King’s comparison between the dog and others, according to a source. 
 
In the post, Praphat shared the headline of a news story which read "[The King] praises 'Tongdaeng' for not getting above itself. Unlike others [humans] (คนอื่น) who are inclined to get above themselves"
 
Praphat added a comment which expressed his anger, questioning the comparison followed by curses. 
 
Born as a stray dog, Tongdaeng was adopted by King Bhumibol in 1998. The King later bestowed surname “Suwannachat” to Tongdaeng’s offspring. 
 
The content in the headline seems to be taken from the book The Story of Tongdaeng, authored by the King, which describes the good manners and behaviour of “Khun Tongdaeng,” as it is called by the Thai media. In the book, the King says Tongdaeng is grateful of her dog wetnurse, is always loyal to the King, and keeps itself low when sitting near the King. The King praised Tongdaeng's humble manner despite being the King’s favourite pet, unlike “others” who become arrogant after achieving importance.
 
The story of Tongdaeng was promoted around 2002. 
 
 
The alleged lèse majesté Facebook post by Praphat
 

Since 2007, Prachatai English has been covering underreported issues in Thailand, especially about democratization and human rights, despite the risk and pressure from the law and the authorities. However, with only 2 full-time reporters and increasing annual operating costs, keeping our work going is a challenge. Your support will ensure we stay a professional media source and be able to expand our team to meet the challenges and deliver timely and in-depth reporting.

• Simple steps to support Prachatai English

1. Bank transfer to account “โครงการหนังสือพิมพ์อินเทอร์เน็ต ประชาไท” or “Prachatai Online Newspaper” 091-0-21689-4, Krungthai Bank

2. Or, Transfer money via Paypal, to e-mail address: [email protected], please leave a comment on the transaction as “For Prachatai English”