UBON RATCHATHANI, Thailand – A 32-year-old woman was arrested by Thai cyber police for posting false information on Facebook that stirred widespread panic over alleged violence and evacuations at the Thai-Cambodian border.
The suspect, Ms. Phiranya, was detained under a Khon Kaen Provincial Court warrant for importing false information into a computer system, a violation of Thailand’s Computer Crime Act. She allegedly made a series of alarming posts on her personal Facebook account concerning the Thai-Cambodian border situation. Some of the posts falsely claimed deadly explosions and orders for local residents to evacuate, prompting widespread concern and thousands of social media reactions and shares.
Investigators from the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) tracked her to a house in Kut Lat Subdistrict, Mueang District, Ubon Ratchathani. During questioning, the woman reportedly confessed to posting the misleading content out of personal bias regarding the ongoing border issues. She admitted there was no factual basis behind her claims and denied any intention to profit from the posts.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trirong Phiwphan, commissioner of the TCSD, emphasized that the police are not seeking to curtail free speech on social media. However, he reiterated that authorities have a duty to protect public order and national security by investigating and curbing the spread of false information that could cause mass misunderstanding or panic.
The case comes amid heightened sensitivity surrounding Thai-Cambodian border developments, and follows a recent Cambodian Ministry of Defense statement denying troop withdrawals from any territory under Cambodian sovereignty. The authorities urge the public to rely on verified, official sources to avoid being misled or inadvertently sharing disinformation.
The suspect is now facing legal proceedings and could face significant penalties if convicted under Thailand’s strict cybercrime laws. (TNA)
