Thammasat University ex-rector Charnvit Kasetsiri has been summoned by the Technology Crime Supression Division (TCSD) for allegedly violating the Computer Crime Act by sharing a Facebook post about a handbag carried by the prime minister's wife.
Mr Charnvit claims he is the victim of a "political game". "I feel the charge is a political game designed to make me zip my mouth," he said after reporting to the police Wednesday. The charge was filed by Pol Maj Olarn Sukkasem, a director of the TCSD, for violation of Section 14 (2) and 4) of the 2017 act. The case is currently the subject of a police inquiry.
The TCSD said Mr Charnvit forwarded and posted false information that sowed panic and disorder. In a letter handed out to friends and the media, he wrote: "I believe in purity and in the people's right to express their opinions. But I cannot preach that ... rulers in non-democratic regimes can refuse to hear criticism."
"This is one of many similar cases: SLAPP-down cases," he wrote, referring to a Western term whereby state officials launch a case to deter certain individuals from speaking out due to fear.
After the police inquiry, Mr Charnvit told the press that "it's a weird experience to be a suspect at almost 80. I denied all of the allegations. "It took over two hours because I opposed the inquiry given that the officers conducting it were subordinates of the accuser, which could potentially hinder the investigation," he added.
On Jan 11, Mr Charnvit shared a post from a Facebook user with the name "Ploy Siripong" that drew a red circle around one of the handbags belonging to Naraporn Chan-o-cha, wife of Prime Minister Prayut.
This drew comments from other Facebook users saying it was worth millions of baht.
This is a touchy subject at present given the regime's No.2 man, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, is embroiled in a growing scandal involving his collection of 25-plus luxury watches that were not declared among his assets.
Mr Charnvit later deleted his post and re-posted the same image with a touch of sarcasm, adding: "Thai leaders must look expensive, not cheap."