National artist had insulted governor Nattapat Suwanpratheep for not inviting him to perform in home province.

SUPHAN BURI: The provincial cultural office has asked the National Culture Commission (NCC) to investigate the conduct of Yuenyong "Ad Carabao" Opakul, a source said.

At a social function on Wednesday in Suphan Buri's Song Phi Nong district, the Carabao frontman used name-calling as he criticised the governor for not inviting him to play at an annual fair in the province, his home province, early this year.

His remarks, made before hundreds of people, were widely seen as demeaning. Some netizens urged the NCC to reconsider if Yuenyong should remain a national artist.

Under ministerial regulations, a national artist may be stripped of the title if he or she is found to have behaved inappropriately or is convicted of a serious charge.

A vote to remove the title must be supported by at least two-thirds of members.

The singer's remarks prompted Mr Nattapat to clarify the matter, and Yuenyong later made a public apology on Facebook.

He said he felt guilty after hearing the governor's side of the story and that he was prepared to face a lawsuit.

Mr Nattapat, meanwhile, said he accepted the apology and had no grudge against the singer, but added that as a state official he must protect his dignity.

The governor had earlier on Sunday filed a defamation complaint against Yuenyong at Song Phi Nong police station.

His representative said it was up to investigators to decide whether to accept it.

Pol Maj Gen Kriangkrai Wuttipanich, provincial police chief, said police would take statements from the people involved and the accused was likely to face a defamation charge under Sections 326-328 of the Criminal Code.

He said Yuenyong would be summonsed to answer next week.