Thai police have arrested a third person accused of spreading rumors about the health of the country's 81-year-old king that caused a short but sharp sell-off on the stock market.
Police say Somchet Ittiworakul, 38, from the eastern province of Chonburi was arrested Tuesday evening under a computer-related crime law on suspicion of spreading false information deemed harmful to national security. Police on Sunday arrested two other suspects accused of spreading similar rumors. Both were released on bail.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej has been hospitalized since Sept. 19 with symptoms of pneumonia, but doctors say he is recovering.
The Oct. 14-15 stock sell-off was seen as reflecting widespread concern over the issue of royal succession.
Source: AP Features
