In the first week of November 2010, Sqn Ldr Chanin Khlaikhlung became the first casualty of Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwon warning that the military needed to weed out anti-monarchists in its ranks.
A Bangkok Post report states that the “Royal Thai Air Force has taken action against one of its officers who allegedly posted lese majeste messages on Facebook. Air force spokesman Monthon Satchukorn yesterday said Sqn Ldr Chanin Khlaikhlung, of the Aeronautical Engineering Directorate, had been suspended from duties and a panel appointed to inquire into his conduct. His immediate supervisor was assigned to file a lese majeste complaint against him with Don Muang police last Thursday. Sqn Ldr Chanin has been accused of posting inappropriate messages against the monarchy on Facebook several times. Two naval officers came across the messages and alerted the air force. AVM Monthon said the air force also reported the matter last week to the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation.”
Chanin surrendered to police on about 17 November 2010 and said he would plead not guilty.
He will likely appear in a military court (closed to the public) in February 2013, facing lese majeste and computer crimes charges related to 24 comments on his Facebook page.
Media reports:
Prachatai, 1 December 2012: “Updates on lèse majesté and computer crime cases”
Bangkok Post, 17 November 2010: “Air force officer surrenders to police”
[...] deemed offensive to the monarchy surrendered to Don Mueang police on Wednesday. Squadron Leader Chanin Klaiklueng, chief of the air force’s engineering department, surrendered after officers from the Judge [...]
[...] Sqn Ldr Chanin Klaiklueng [...]
[...] Chanin Khlaikhlung [...]
[...] Chanin Khlaikhlung [...]
[...] the first week of November 2010, Sqn Ldr Chanin Khlaikhlung became the first casualty of then Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwan’s warning that the military [...]
[...] Chanin Khlaikhlung [...]
[...] Anek Chaichana, Aswin (family name withheld), The Bangkok 19, Bundith Arniya, Anthony Chai, Chanin Khlaikhlung, Chucheep Chivasut, Chuphong Thithuan, Community Radio Station 10, Giles Ji Ungpakorn, Kanyaphak [...]