Warning: This is NOT an April Fool’s Day story.
“Not everyone likes it, [people] may be prosecuted,” said the warning, issued earlier this morning (Apr 1).
Pol Maj Gen Siriwat Depor, Deputy Spokesman of the Royal Thai Police, said that Deputy Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Kittirat Phanphet, acting as Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Police, had said the police are concerned about citizens “who may be damaged by various forms of crime”, said the warning.
“This April 1st falls on April Fool’s Day, or the ‘Day of Lies’. Often lies are created for fun. or to tease each other among friends. Many people often use it as an activity that builds relationships and relieves stress,” the warning said.
“But sometimes teasing or lying may affect others or may also create panic in society, especially posting lies through social media. This may be published, forwarded or shared, causing the lie to spread widely,” the warning continued.
“Royal Thai Police therefore would like to publicize to the people to be careful of creating lies to entertain or tease others because such actions cause damage to others. or panic in society which is considered a violation of the law.”
The warning cited two sections of law people may be punished under for posting April Fools stories.
“Publishing information that causes others to be defamed, be disrespectful or be hated is considered an offense of defamation by advertising according to Section 328 of the Criminal Code, you will be punished with imprisonment not exceeding two years and a fine not exceeding B200,000,” the warning said.
“Importing or disseminating false information into a computer system that affects the security of the country, public safety, Economic stability of the country or infrastructure that is of public benefit to the country or causing panic among the people is considered an offense according to the Computer Crime Act of 2007 and its amendments, Section 14(2), (5) are punishable by imprisonment not exceeding five years or a fine not exceeding B100,000, or both,” the warning continued.
“We ask for cooperation from the people. Before sharing any news or information with other people, please check first whether the above information is true or not. You can check basic information at the Anti-Fake News Center Thailand website at www.antifakenewscenter.com,” the Royal Thai Police warning noted.
“Finally, if fellow citizens receive damage or see any person creating fake news that causes confusion in society, complaints can be filed at the police station near you or report clues to the hotline 191 and the Royal Thai Police hotline 1599, available 24 hours a day,” the warning concluded.