Two more arrests in Thai rumor case

BANGKOK, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- Thai investigators say two more people are set to be arrested on charges of spreading false rumors about the health of the king.

Central Investigation Bureau deputy chief Panya Mamen told reporters Monday the two suspects are accused of posting the rumors on several Web sites, helping to trigger last month's stock sell-off from which the suspects allegedly hoped to profit, The Bangkok Post reported.

Panya said the CIB was also investigating information the pair had been hired to circulate rumors Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej was ill.

Two securities dealers, also arrested for the Internet rumors, were released Monday on bail, CIB commissioner Thangai Pratsajaksatru told the Post. He said Thiranant Wipuchanin, 43, a former executive director of UBS Securities Thailand, and Katha Pajajiriyapong, 37, of Seamico Securities, had posted bail of $3,000 each.

Thangai reportedly said police were still examining the pair's computers, which were seized to determine if more people were involved in the case.