Woman forced to bow down and grovel before painting of dead Thai king ‘after insulting the revered leader on Facebook’

A THAI WOMAN was forced to kneel down and grovel in public before a painting of the late king after allegedly posting remarks insulting his son, the Crown Prince.

Umaporn Sarasat, 43, was filmed being dragged out by two cops on the holiday island of Koh Samui before throwing herself in front of a picture of the king.

A screaming crowd of 500 people turned up to watch her public humiliation, yesterday.

The clip shows the spectators holding up images of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej while jeering at her as she left the police station.

Others had to be held back by police officers.

Police said Sarasat posted disrespectful comments on Facebook directed at Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn and General Prem Tinsulanonda, the president of the privy council, who is to serve as regent until the prince takes the throne.

Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn is a controversial figure who commands little of the love and respect enjoyed by his father.

Small business owner Sarasat has been charged with insulting the monarchy and could face up to 15 years in jail.

Although she reportedly did not criticise the late king - her crime involved the heir.

Major Thewes Pleumsud told the crowd at the police station: "We are going to proceed with the case as best we can.

"I understand your feelings. You came here out of loyalty to his majesty. Don't worry, I give you my word."

Military rulers have ordered internet providers in the country to monitor websites and asked people to inform on those who insult the monarchy.

Millions of Thais have turned out to mourn the king who died last Thursday in Bangkok after struggling with poor health for a number of years.

The monarch – who reigned over Thailand for 70 years – was widely revered by his subjects.

The popular tourist destination announced a year of mourning – including an immediate 30 day period during which there will be a ban on “joyful events”.

Brits were told to don sombre black garb and avoid heavy boozing as government bans 'joyful events' following death of monarch.

Most people have behaved with dignity but those who have given the impression of being less than devastated have been publicly hounded.

Following the king's death, Thailand's clothing sellers have been quick to hike prices for black garments while others have run out of stock.

Vats of black dye were boiling nonstop on Monday at a free dying station set up in downtown Bangkok by a tractor importing company.

Volunteers rushed to write down names and contact information from a stream of visitors bringing in coloured clothes.

"Some people don't have black clothes or don't have enough to wear," said Kanokporn Tantranont, a Krung Thai Tractor employee helping out at the centre. "If you go out to buy more clothes, the prices are so high," he said.

His employer says the dyeing station will stay open until the end of the month and people can also donate old clothes to be dyed black.

The government has promised to spend millions on distributing free black shirts to help poor people to wear them throughout the year-long period of mourning.