The latest show by Udom "Nose" Taephanich, a stand-up comedian, sparked criticism when he made a sarcastic joke about self-sufficiency.
The saga made headlines after parts of the stand-up act, titled Deaw special super soft power which aired on Netflix, was shared on social media. Clips revealed a portion of the show that featured sarcastic remarks about people who pretended to adhere to the concept of self-sufficiency, a philosophy initiated by the late King Rama IX.
During Udom's stand-up show, the comedian recalled living in a rural setting, saying, "What I experienced so I could get a feeling of self-sufficiency told me that [such a way of life] didn't suit me. It was just a hypocritical act to show people I had a self-sufficient lifestyle and grew vegetables.
"People see social media influencers harvesting rice and are inspired. They don't realise that these Instagram personalities, wearing thick layers of sunscreen, pose at the plantation for a moment, upload their pictures on Instagram and then rush back to their air-conditioned homes," he said.
The comedian's remarks raised the ire of some people who thought what he said was inappropriate and disrespectful towards the highest institution.
According to a media source, Parina Kraikup, a former Palang Pracharath Party MP for Ratchaburi, on Wednesday filed a complaint against Mr Udom for violating Section 112, aka the lese majeste law.
Pol Maj Gen Wichai Sangprapai, former deputy chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, also warned Udom about his remark.
"The fact that you [Mr Udom], a famous person with many followers, touched on the subject of 'adult figures', and made fun of different genders, careers, and most importantly the self-sufficiency principle -- this could have caused misunderstanding in society," Pol Maj Gen Wichai said.
The comedian's show also alarmed Karom Phonphonklang, the deputy government spokesman, who thought it could possibly cause social disunity.
Pol Lt Gen Rewat Klinkesorn, former chief of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, called for the show to be banned.
Well-known lawyer Decha Kittiwittayanan posted on Facebook that people who criticise Udom may face defamation charges. He urged people to watch the full video first.
