Justice Minister Paiboon Koomchaya has forwarded the names of three lese majeste suspects believed to have fled to France to the country’s ambassador to Thailand.
Ambassador Thierry Viteau and Gen Paiboon met Monday to discuss several issues, including three Thai nationals charged with violation of Section 112 of the Criminal Code who are believed to be hiding in France.
He gave Mr Viteau the names of the suspects and explained to him the difference between charges related politics and those involving insults to the monarchy.
The general did not disclose publicly the names he provided, but sources at the Justice Ministry identified them as Somsak Jeamtheerasakul, Jaran Ditha-apichai and Saran "Aum Neko" Chuichai.
The pair also discussed less-contentious topics, including France's offer to provide scholarships for Thai officials to study law and take training courses in France, and French criminals in Thailand.
The ambassador wants authorities to return the passports of French lawbreakers to France after their cases have been concluded to prevent them from being used for illegal purposes. Gen Paiboon said would check if Thai law allowed that.
The justice minister said the ambassador also called for Thailand to abolish the death penalty. Gen Paiboon said he told Mr Viteau that the public supports it and, thus, Thailand was not yet ready to do so.