Jatuporn Prompan, chairman of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, has confirmed that Krit Buddeejin, a suspect in the dissemination of a forged Royal Household Bureau statement about His Majesty the King's health, is a UDD supporter and that he has been provided with a lawyer, Post Today online reported.
Speaking in an interview with Peace TV, Mr Jatuporn said that on learning of Mr Krit's arrest he had checked and confirmed the Phetchabun musician is a UDD supporter.
He, therefore, assigned Winyat Chartmontree, a UDD lawyer, to help Mr Krit fight the case.
Mr Winyat confirmed he had been assigned by Mr Jatuporn to give Mr Krit legal assistance.
He said he and other UDD lawyers would today visit Mr Krit at the 11th Infantry Regiment, where he is reported to be held in military custody.
They would ask to be present when he is interrogated, Mr Winyat said.
Col Winthai Suwaree, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) spokesman, said at a press conference on Thursday morning that Mr Krit, who is identified by police as "among the first people" who shared the forged statement on social media, is now in military custody.
Mr Krit stands to be charged with lese majeste in violation of Section 112 of the Criminal Code and with violating the Computer Crimes Act.
Col Winthai said the questioning woud probably not take more than the seven days allowed by martial law.
"Since the case is sentive and affects the morale of the people, the authorities need to handle it carefully and take the time to investigate thoroughly, to establish the facts," Col Winthai said.
The NPCO spokesman declined to confirm that Mr Krit was being detained at the 11th Infantry Regiment. He said only that the suspect would receive proper treatment.
Mr Krit was arrested by soldiers at his home in Phetchabun on Wednesday.