Police seize copies of banned Hollywood movie

BANGKOK (AFP): Thai undercover police arrested two men suspected of producing pirated copies of banned Hollywood movie “Anna and the King” which censors have ruled disrespectful to the monarchy, police said this morning. Rawiphat Sawatwattawong, and Phallop Yoosabai, both 24, were detained near Bangkok’s Pantip Plaza, a software and entertainment center, late yesterday. They were found in possession of 200 pirated copies of the movie which stars Jodie Foster and Hong Kong action star Chow Yun-Fat, said Colonel Suchart Theersasawat of the Bangkok Metropolitan Police. Importers or vendors of the film could face up to six months in jail and a 2,000 baht (53 dollar) fine. Anyone caught organizing public viewings could be charged with lèse-majesté, or treason, which can theoretically carry the death penalty. “I do not think [the suspects] will face lèse-majesté charges in the end as I don’t think they have yet shown the movie to the public,” said Suchart.