ABC

Thai officials are meeting to discuss what action should be taken against four people accused of causing a run on the stock market earlier this month.

The four allegedly circulated rumours about the health of the Thai King, which prompted heavy selling.

The 81-year-old monarch has been in hospital since mid-September and is being treated for a lung infection.

Anything related to King Bhumipol Adulyadej is a matter of great sensitivity in Thailand, which uses its strict lese majeste laws to protect the royal institution from insult.

The four people are already facing possible charges relating to computer crimes.

Thailand's Department of Special Investigation officials will meet with senior members of the Securities and Exchange Commission to see if securities charges should also be laid, if there is evidence of market manipulation or speculative trading.

Trading houses in Singapore and Hong Kong are also conducting internal investigations.