Actress and model Cris Horwang is among eight celebrities who have been fined after admitting to posting their selfies with alcoholic drinks on social media, violating the Alcohol Control Act.
The eight, with Non Thale Buffet Seafood restaurant as the ninth suspect, are the first of 24 suspects who face legal action after they were was reported to officers under summonses issued by Nonthaburi Police Station. "They all admitted to the wrongdoing and are fined 50,000 baht each," Pol Gen Wirachai Songmetta, a police adviser of the Royal Thai Police, said.
Other singers and actors in this group are four males -- Pongsak "Aof" Rattanapong, Davide "DJ De" Dorico, Osathi "Graf Black Vanilla" Chunmongkhon and Wichian "DJ Phetcha" Kusonmanomai -- and three females -- Hansa "Nuclear" Chuengwiwatthanawong, Naphasasi "Mind" Suwan and Thanyachanok "Bebe" Ritnakha.
Their acts were deemed illegal because Section 32 of the Alcohol Control Act prohibits a person from advertising alcoholic drinks and from showing the names and logos of the products to promote them.
Violators are subject to a jail term of up to one year and/or a fine of up to 500,000 baht, or a daily fine of 50,000 baht throughout the period of violation.
Another 15 suspects allegedly involved in similar wrongdoing have been scheduled to gradually report to police up until Aug 20, Pol Gen Wirachai said.
Among them are Ratchanon "Guy" Suprakop, John Chindachot and Phit "Phit" Kachai, who will meet the officers today.
Two members of Boom Boom Cash musical group, Phailin "Wawa" Rattanasathian and Chanita "Mooky" Phuwaphiphat, will follow suit tomorrow.
Next Friday will be the turn of Pharanyu "Tac" Rotwutthitham, followed by Warattha "Noei" Imraphon and Kherika "Hi-So Jinny" Chotwichit on Aug 13.
Natthawiranut "VJ Ja" Thongmi, Virithipa "VJ Woonsen" Pakdeeprasong and Darathip "Pam Pam" Thiarawatchanatham will meet police on Aug 15. Pakorn "Dome" Lam and Nonthaphon "Ying Yae" Thirawatthanasuk have their appointments set for Aug 16.
Boon Rawd Brewery Co, producer of Singha beer, and Thai Asia Pacific Co are also implicated in the case.
The suspects have come under the public spotlight after a photo of Mr Pakorn pouring Chang beer was posted on Instagram, causing public outcry in 2015. Mr Pakorn, who had been arrested for drink-driving causing two deaths in 2001, denied he was paid for posting the photo.
Many celebrities were later found to have uploaded controversial photos on social media.