Deputy national police chief Srivara Ransibrahmanakul has lodged a police complaint against the administrators of four Facebook pages, which he said defamed him in relation to an investigation into the controversial rap song Prathet Ku Mee (What My Country's Got).
In Chiang Rai, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said the song was a "slander" against the country and inappropriate.
Pol Gen Srivara said Tuesday that he authorised police officers to lodge the defamation lawsuit on his behalf on Monday. He did not elaborate on how the Facebook pages defamed him.
He explained that the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) is in the process of determining whether the song breaks any laws, adding that he did not order the agency to stop its investigation as reported. "Do not say I am stepping back," Pol Gen Srivara said.
He did, however, concede there is no evidence so far that those connected to the song have broken the law. According to Pol Gen Srivara, there is no need at this point in time to summon anyone for questioning.
He also denied rumours that leading government figures ordered him to take legal action against the rappers.
Meanwhile, Pol Gen Srivara distributed a brief containing 10 counter-arguments to various lyrics of the song to the media. The brief, he said, was written by Seri Wongmonta, a media personality and academic.
Among the points raised is that the lyrics are not entirely true, he said, adding that some of the video's content deliberately tarnishes the reputation of the military.
Also on Tuesday, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha renewed his criticism, warning the rappers to be careful.
"I do not care if they attack me. But if they do so against the country, I do not think it is appropriate," said Gen Prayut.
"They should have a conscience. Do not slander your country."
The song, written by Rap Against Dictatorship, a rap group, has clocked up more than 23 million views as of Wednesday morning . The 5-minute music video was released on YouTube on Oct 22.
The rappers' verses critique the country's political and social problems -- divisive and violent politics, chronic corruption, inequality and injustice. The lyrics also pertain to allegations about events under the military government.
