Police to rein in 'influencers'

Police to rein in 'influencers'

Ex-Palang Pracharath Party member Sonthiya Sawatdee has filed a complaint with police urging them to investigate comments made by well-known personalities critical of the government's handling of the Covid-19 crisis, including singers and TV stars.

These comments include claims that the government's vaccination plan is unclear and the struggling healthcare system has been mismanaged.

Mr Sonthiya said such criticism is "baseless disinformation", considered illegal under the Computer Crime Act, Emergency Decree, and Communicable Diseases Act.

He said these social influencers need to be held accountable for sharing fake news, which he claims has resulted in widespread misunderstanding among the public.

Mr Sonthiya has gathered a list of more than 20 influencers who he says have wrongfully criticised the government.

Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn also cautioned netizens to be aware that sharing so-called fake news about the government is illegal, as is trying to persuade others to join mass protests during the pandemic. Mr Chaiwut said spreading fake news on the internet is a crime against national stability.

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