Bangkok – A 21-year-old Cambodian man has been arrested for trying to defame the Thai government by releasing fake news online.
During a press conference at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Deputy Commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau, Pol Maj Gen. Surachet Hakpan, said that the Cambodian man, identified by police as Ratanak Heng, would be handed over to the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) to face criminal charges.
Ratanak had allegedly claimed in a fake news article that Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha told Thai people to fill up their cars with water instead of diesel, causing the general public to grow concerned over rising gas prices.
Pol Maj Gen. Surachet said Ratanak’s action was clearly intended to damage the reputation of the government. He had posted 3 fake online news stories regarding the Thai government and the premier prior to his arrest.
6 Thai nationals, who were found to have been involved in the release of those fabricated articles, said they were only sharing information on social media without any intention to instigate conflicts.
If found guilty, they will face a maximum jail term of 5 years or a maximum fine of 100,000 baht for violating the Computer Crime Act.
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