Thai Junta Security Spokesman Warns Over Sharing Fake News on Social Media

BANGKOK – After the transfer of former immigration bureau chief Pol Lt Gen Surachet Hakpan to work as a special advisor to the Prime Minister’s Office, the government has detected online attempts to spread fake news discrediting certain persons.

The general public is advised to note this information with discretion and avoid sharing any fake information that could lead to legal prosecution.

The Junta government’s security spokesman Lt Gen Kongcheep Tantrawanich has announced that security agencies have been working to identify groups spreading fake news online, asking those involved to cease such activities, and the general public not to share or forward such information as the passing on or importation of false information is considered an offense under the Computer Crime Act BE 2560, as well as defamation by libel or slander according to the Criminal Code.

He said the general public should use discretion in assessing the validity of any information, and verify it with government agencies or credible sources, in order not to be manipulated by those with ill intentions who want to spread false information and generate negative comments, which could make social media users violators of the law themselves.

Members of the media have been asked to verify information and deliver credible, well sourced stories to audiences, to prevent creating conflicts as in the past.