“I ordered the DSI to do so [issue a letter of recommendation to the speaker] in my capacity as head of working group investigating lese majeste offenses,” Paiboon said. He said that celebrity orator Orapim Raksaphon, publicly known as Best, intended to improve understanding of the lese majeste issue during her planned trip to the US, which was in line with the committee’s intention. Orapim plans to relate inspirational stories concerning His Majesty the King’s work and his contribution to the country’s development during his 70-year reign. However, her visa application was denied in the middle of this month, triggering a series of questions regarding the reasons behind the denial, her profile and her professional background. In an immediate response, the speaker said the rejection was because of her credit blacklist.

Source: The Nation Bangkok November 28, 2016 11:27 UTC