Thai Official Spreads Fake News About Football Star Lamine Yamal

[webfact]

Lamine Yamal. Picture courtesy: 3Plus NEWS

 

Professor Charoen Watthanasin, Vice Chairman of the Thai Olympic Committee, has caused a social media uproar by sharing incorrect information about Spanish football star Lamine Yamal. The controversy began when Charoen tweeted an image of the 17-year-old, who recently played a key role in Spain's Euro 2024 victory, along with claims of his Thai origins.

 

Charoen's tweet read, "I am proud to be born in Thailand, under the royal grace of the king. Though my physical form is Catalan, my blood is always blue-red-white (Lamine Yamal – Spanish national football player, European Cup champion, Thai born in Yala)."

 

The post quickly gained attention, being widely retweeted and liked. However, it soon became apparent that the story lacked any basis in truth. Reliable sources confirmed that Yamal was not born in Thailand, and the claim was debunked as fake news.

 

Lamine Yamal's actual full name is Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana. He was born on July 13, 2007, in Mataro, Catalonia. His father, Munir Nasraoui, hails from Morocco, while his mother, Sheila Ebana, comes from Equatorial Guinea. Both parents emigrated to Spain before his birth, making the claim of his Thai origins entirely false.

 

Despite these facts, Charoen's tweet remains online, though he has since issued an apology. In a follow-up message, he said, "I deeply apologise if it is fake news," acknowledging the misinformation he had spread.

 

This incident highlights the broader issue of fake news in Thailand. In related news: The Thai Government, led by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE), has mobilised 400 agencies to combat the growing problem of misinformation and online scams. 

 

-- 2024-07-22

 

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[ikke1959]

Of course if success is in play Thailand must be a part of it... And as usual they have no clue or did any research, but shout before thinking... It is all a misunderstanding of course......Get rid of this man now before he will do serious harm to the country

[Peabody]

38 minutes ago, webfact said:

The Thai Government, led by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE), has mobilised 400 agencies to combat the growing problem of misinformation and online scams. 

What the hell!? What are these agencies?

 

[happysoul]

Vice Chairman of the Thai Olympic Committee

Good, he can show his competence starting in 4 days. How many medals for great Thailand M. Watthanasin ?

[hotchilli]

It's note fake news, just a misunderstanding.

[hotchilli]

20 hours ago, Peabody said:

What the hell!? What are these agencies?

 

400 agencies salary paid with tax money to do nothing.

[jonclark]

Imagine the fury if another country tried to claim nationality over Thailand for Lisa from BlackPink. Thai Netizens would go into meltdown mode. 

[2long]

21 hours ago, webfact said:

Professor Charoen Watthanasin, Vice Chairman of the Thai Olympic Committee

I know I know, in Thailand you can become a 'professor' without any skill or knowledge in your field, but surely in the civilized world to become a professor requires attaining that credential BY DOING RESEARCH.

Clearly this fella did not!