The government has threatened legal action against those who spread false information about the alleged taxing of donations for the high-profile charity run led by rock singer Artiwara "Toon" Kongmalai.
Government spokesman Sansern Keawkamnerd denied the government planned to levy a 7% tax on the money donated to the Toon-led run which will go towards buying medical equipment for 11 state-run hospitals.
Information shared online also alleged the government would spend the tax it has picked up from the run for renovating police stations, procuring closed-circuit cameras and buying state vehicles.
"That is absolutely not true," Lt Gen Sansern said, adding the information was created by people with ill-intentions.
The government had no plan to tax the donations, and in fact had rallied behind the run throughout by contributing cash donations and extending moral support, he said.
He also dismissed claims that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha donated only 20 baht toward the run.
Gen Prayut did make a donation, but did not reveal how much. He also said he did not want people to pay too much attention to the matter.
Lt Gen Sansern said police will investigate to find the people who spread the tax story and claims of the 20-baht donation as well as those who shared the information online. They will be dealt with swiftly by law.
"The government asks that people exercise their utmost discretion in following online information. They should avoid spreading distorted information," Lt Gen Sansern said.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, Toon achieved his target of raising 700 million baht, 16 days before he's expected to hit the finish line.
The milestone was reached in Chai Nat province on the 39th of the planned 55 days, when he had covered 68% of the planned distance of 2,191km from the southernmost district of Betong in Yala province to the northernmost Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai.
Toon has run 1,500km. He will run through 20 provinces to reach the finish on Christmas Day.