A 64-year-old Thai-born New Zealand resident is being held in custody in a Bangkok health institute and undergoing psychological assessment after being charged with insulting Thailand's monarchy.
Thitinant Kaewjantranont has been held at the institute since July 14, national police spokesman Major General Piya Utayo says.
She is accused of making a disrespectful gesture towards an image of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej outside the Constitutional Court on July 13 - the day of a judgment that prevented a dissolution of the ruling party, Agence France-Presse reports.
"She was placed under police custody at the institute the next day and is undergoing mental health checks," Maj Gen Piya told AFP, adding that a Bangkok court had issued the warrant for her arrest on July 16.
Anyone convicted of insulting the king, queen, heir or regent faces up to 15 years in prison on each count under Thai law. The king, who is revered as a demi-god by many Thais, has been hospitalised since September 2009.
NZN