Thai police have issued an official warning about ‘Lies Day’ and the stipulated liability for spreading misleading information.
The Royal Thai Police has issued an official warning about the international holiday ‘Laughing Day’ and reminded of the responsibility for April Fools’ pranks, calling April 1 ‘Lying Day’, Matichon reports.
Police are strictly reminded that spreading deliberately inaccurate information that misleads people, deceives the public, or causes harm or loss is punishable by fines of hundreds of thousands of baht or imprisonment of up to five years in the most severe cases.
Note: This is NOT an April Fool’s joke!
‘The police are concerned that citizens may be affected by the spread of misleading information,’ said Major General Kittirat Phanphet, acting commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Police.
‘Not everyone likes pranks, so pranksters may be prosecuted,’ said a police warning issued on April 1.
‘”Fool’s Day” or “Lie Day” is a worldwide holiday celebrated on April 1 in many states and countries. Often, lies are used to entertain each other’s friends. Many people use lying to strengthen relationships and relieve stress,’ the police warning explains.
‘But sometimes inaccurate information or lies affect people and cause panic in the community. This is especially true for false information posted on social media platforms, which can easily be further disseminated, leading to widespread lies,’ the warning noted.
‘Therefore, the Royal Thai Police is asking the public to be cautious of lying for entertainment, as such actions may harm people or cause panic, which is considered a violation of the law.’
The police warning cites two articles of the law under which people can be prosecuted for April Fool’s pranks.
The warning explained, ‘Defamation or publishing inaccurate information that causes disrespect or hatred is an offence under Section 328 of the Thai Penal Code. The punishment includes imprisonment for up to two years and a fine of up to 200,000 baht. ‘
‘Entering or spreading false information in a computer system affecting infrastructure security, public safety, economic stability or causing panic among people is considered an offence under the Computer Crime Act of 2007 and is punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment and a fine of 100,000 baht,’ the warning said.
‘We ask for people’s co-operation. Before sharing news or information with others, please check whether the above information is true.’
The Royal Thai Police said in the warning that ‘Verification of significant events and information is available on the website of the Centre for Combating Fake News Thailand (www.antifakenewscenter.com) ‘.The alert concluded, ‘If the hoax has caused damage or inaccurate information has caused confusion in the public, it is recommended to file a complaint at the nearest police station or report to the Royal Thai Police hotline: 191 or 1599, available 24 hours a day. ‘
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