When Pacharaporn Chantarapradit, a young beauty contestant vying for the Miss Grand 2020 title, voiced support for the pro-democracy demonstrators during a question-and-answer session, she might have expected some criticism. But some of those who disagreed with her views went too far.
Ms Pacharaporn, who won the title on Sunday night, was subjected to a torrent of cyberbullying for her answer that was quite untypical for a beauty contestant. "With my heart, I would choose the protesters' side," said the 22-year-old, when asked what she thought of the protests.
She said Thailand needs real democracy. With confidence, the contestant from Ranong wrapped up her answer with a call for the government to quit, while the audience boisterously cheered. However, such a brave answer angered several pro-establishment netizens who did not hesitate in making racist remarks by alluding to her dark skin, and using hurtful words to describe her such as "bad", "ugly" and "trash".
A wealthy hotelier was so upset he attacked her by claiming she was not a real Thai -- a common remark used by the far right -- and urged police to "arrest this child".
Later on the beauty queen defended her answer, saying she stood by it, and was not a nation hater, as wrongly alleged by her pro-establishment critics. Instead, the woman said she is a patriot who only wants to see problems solved.
The incident attests to the fact the country is trapped in deep-rooted divisions and that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is part of the problem.
It's extremely upsetting to see these belligerent netizens get away with such abuse as the state, especially the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES), showed no intention of stepping in to condemn such comments, or even give the angry netizens a slap on the wrist. The ministry is in fact the body that is meant to tell the public that such actions are unacceptable.
Shortly before the weekend rally, Digital Economy and Society Minister Buddhipongse Punnakanta urged people to respect the law when posting messages on social media channels and to practice restraint when being angry and making comments. That is not enough.
Mr Buddhipongse is expected to take action against cyberbullying, which is actually a crime, but unfortunately he failed to do so.
His silence on the matter has sent the wrong message -- that such a crime is tolerable. It absolutely is not.
In fact, as a major enforcer of the draconian computer crime law, Mr Buddhipongse and DES officials have hardly taken any constructive action against real computer crimes, which is a serious matter. Instead, there are allegations that they tend to only use the law to muzzle critics and political opponents of the government.
Of course, the beauty queen's forthright and strong answer was not music to the ears of people in the government, but the law is the law.
The government has an obligation to protect the rights of every citizen, including those who are on the opposite side of the political spectrum. The DES, in particular, must use all the tools it has to tackle bullying.
If anything, it must be realised Ms Pacharaporn's statement is in line with democratic principles. In a democracy, all must learn to accept different opinions and react to them constructively.
The government, which boasts of existing through democratic means, must set a good example and provide its critics with protection.