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Thai palace official arrested for abusing authority, defaming monarchy

Associated Press
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Montri Sotangkur, center, a senior palace official under former Princess Srirasmi, is escorted by Thai policemen as he arrives at the police headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, June 11, 2015. The official was accused of abuse of authority by claiming royal connections in demanding positions with two of Thailand's influential private enterprises. He faces up to 20 years in prison from four arrest warrants. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) (The Associated Press)

Montri Sotangkur, center, a senior palace official under former Princess Srirasmi, escorted by Thai policemen, arrives at the police headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, June 11, 2015. The official was accused of abuse of authority by claiming royal connections in demanding positions with two of Thailand's influential private enterprises. He faces up to 20 years in prison from four arrest warrants. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) (The Associated Press)

Montri Sotangkur, center, a senior palace official under former Princess Srirasmi, is escorted by Thai policemen as he arrives at the police headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, June 11, 2015. The official was accused of abuse of authority by claiming royal connections in demanding positions with two of Thailand's influential private enterprises. He faces up to 20 years in prison from four arrest warrants. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) (The Associated Press)

A royal household official attached to the Thai crown prince's ex-wife has turned himself in over multiple charges, including defamation against the country's monarchy.

Bangkok police chief Lt. Gen. Siwara Rangsiphrammanakun says that Montri Sotangkur, a senior palace official under former Princess Srirasmi, faces up to 20 years in prison from four arrest warrants.

He said Thursday that the official was accused of abuse of authority by claiming royal connections in demanding positions with two of Thailand's influential private enterprises.

Several family members of former Princess Srirasmi were detained in a high-profile corruption scandal late last year, shortly before she relinquished her royal title.

National police chief Gen. Somyot Poompanmoung said police will investigate if Montri was also involved in other graft cases.