The managing director of Chao Phraya Express Boat Co Ltd, a ferry service provider in Bangkok, has been arrested in connection with the alleged extortion network of the sacked former Central Investigation Bureau chief Pongpat Chayapan.
Cdr Parinya Rakvatin, 52, was charged with lese majeste and collaborating with more than five people to injure others, cause others to lose assets and use force and weapons to get others to do or not to do something against his will.
He was suspected to be in the network of Pol Lt Gen Pongpat, who faces multiple charges ranging from lese majeste to oil smuggling and threatening and hurting others.
The military court is trying the cases linked to the network by the order of the junta. This means the defendants cannot appeal.
Police opposed his bail, citing severe penalties and flight risk.
Cdr Parinya was implicated by the suspects arrested earlier for allegedly forcing and threatening creditors. They claimed Cdr Parinya had introduced energy tycoon Nopporn Suppipat to Chakarn Phakphoom, a key suspect in the extortion case, before they allegedly collaborated to commit the crime, police said.