The Provincial Administration Department has issued an urgent order banning its employees from using state computers to access social media and send emails with "inappropriate" content.
The order was contained in an official letter dated Wednesday, which was sent to provincial governors.
The order came in the wake of a criminal inquiry into Chayo Anchaleewatchara, an administrative official based in Sa Kaeo, who allegedly used Facebook under the name UnchaUnyo to spread pictures and messages defaming the monarchy.
Krissada Boonrat, the department director-general, said the order sets strict guidelines preventing the abuse of state-owned computers and communication instruments — particularly using them for personal activities and sites like Facebook and Line.
Mr Krissada said supervisors are to make sure their subordinates comply, or they themselves will face disciplinary action. He said the order does not stifle personal freedom. It was meant to prevent the misuse of the state resources, he said.
As for the investigation into Mr Chayo, the department chief said he was waiting for the outcome of the criminal inquiry.
Pathum Thani governor Pongsathorn Sajjachonpan said regulations clearly prohibit state officials from making use of office resources as if they were their own.