The police have arrested 9 suspects in connection to Covid-19 fake news online, this is a reminder to the people that posting fake news can cause fear in society and result in consequences with the law.
Police Major General Pantana Nuchnarod from the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) in cooperation with the Anti-Fake News Center reported the arrests made in relation to Covid-19 fake news from 25 May to 4 June 2020.
There have been 9 suspects arrested for posting false information online during the emergency decree. Out of this number, 3 suspects are prosecuted for violating the emergency decree and 6 suspects have been given a warning along with an order to delete the posts made online.
The first suspect prosecuted for violating the emergency decree posted online fake information. The post stated a woman infected with Covid-19 fainted at a famous mall in Rayong Province.
The fake story created fear amongst the people making them believe that the Covid-19 situation in Thailand is worse than it seems.
The other 2 suspects violated the Computer-related Crime Act B.E.2550 (2007). Both suspects posted online claiming that taking garlic and ginger lime tea can help protect against the virus. The last 6 suspects were arrested for sharing fake news stating that the Thai government is asking citizens to register for the aid-package where the information will be used to tax the people.
The Revenue Department has come out to confirm that such information is false. The suspects have been warned and ordered to delete the shared posts.
Police wish to warn the people to be very careful before posting or sharing information. Make sure to check the facts and the trustability of the source of information.
Such fake-news can affect the stability and economics of the nation, along with creating fear amongst society. Such acts are illegal and they will be punished by law.
Posting and sharing fake news is a violation of the Computer Crime Act with the punishment of imprisonment not exceeding 5 years, a fine not exceeding 100,000 THB, or both. It is also a violation of the emergency decree with a punishment of imprisonment not exceeding 2 years, a fine not exceeding 40,000 THB, or both.
