Regional News
Top Police General Warns of Jail Time for False Social Media Posts of Koh Tao Murders
Royal Thai Police Commissioner Pol Gen Somyot Phumphanmuang has warned of tough legal action against anyone posting false information on social networks criticising the handling of the Koh Tao murders case by the police
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BANGKOK – Thailand’s police chief General Somyot Pumpunmuang has warned anyone speculating on social media about the murder of two British tourists on Koh Tao could face up to five years in jail.
General Somyot Pumpunmuang issued stern warnings as criticism mounts over the way police have handled the case of David Miller, 24, and Hannah Witheridge, 23.
Speaking at police headquarters in Bangkok, General Somyot Pumpunmuang threatened to use one of Thailand’s toughest laws – the Computer Crimes Act – to prosecute anyone caught speculating about the murders on social websites.
Burmese men Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Htun both face the death penalty if found guilty, but Mr Zaw’s mother said the case was “fixed”.
Prime Minister David Cameron and the Foreign Office have already expressed concerns about the investigation.
After initial resistance from Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha, a team of Scotland Yard officers arrived last week to observe the proceedings, but cannot be involved involved in the investigation without an invitation from the Thais.
An online petition calling for an independent investigation into the murders has attracted over 100,000 signatures.
