Four people to be summoned for posting unwanted texts on social media

[Lite Beer]

Four people to be summoned for posting unwanted texts on social media
By English News

BANGKOK, Aug 5 – Four people, including an editor of a TV channel, will be summoned for posting statements on social media which could lead to anxiety among the general public, a senior police officer said today.

Pol Maj Gen Pisit Pao-in, commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division, said the four suspects posted messages via social media, saying they anticipated a coup and urged people to stock up on food and water in preparations for shortage.

Their statements could put people in a state of panic, he said.

The four included Sermsuk Kasitipradit, political and security editor of Thai Public Broadcast Service (Thai PBS), Dechatorn Tirapiriya, a Red Shirt leader in Chonburi province, Warnuee Kamduangwong and a user under the pseudonym “Yo Onshine”.

Pol Maj Gen Pisit said police investigations found that the four suspects posted the statements by themselves and their behaviour was a breach of Article 14 of the National Computer Act and Article 116 of the Criminal Law.

If found guilty, they could be subject to up to five years imprisonment and a maximum fine of Bt100,000.

He said police were searching for the identities of two more persons under the names “The Lady” and “Joint Chief-of-Staff Team” who are also accused of posting inappropriate statements on social media. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-08-05

[GentlemanJim]

Welcome to Cambodia in the transition to North Korea. Whatever happens only remember the words of our illustrious leader in Mongolia recently. "Freedom of speech is very important to Thailand". I think what she meant was 'Freedom of speech is very important to the ruling Government party in Thailand, anyone else will face jail time". Amazingly unbelievable Thailand.

Perhaps TV and other forums need to consider closing down now before the inevitable occurs. Thailand land of sad smiles.

Edited August 5, 2013 by GentlemanJim

[Songhua]

Here's a hint: Social media is here to stay. Live with it.

[laurentbkk]

If found guilty, they could be subject to up to five years imprisonment and a maximum fine of Bt100,000.

what about the murderer of this American guy who sing too long ? ah yes he has been bailed out ..... no more comment.

[theblether]

Don't tell them about Thaivisa or we'll all get jailed.

[tonneke breda]

The four included Sermsuk Kasitipradit, political and security editor of Thai Public Broadcast Service (Thai PBS), Dechatorn Tirapiriya, a Red Shirt leader in Chonburi province, Warnuee Kamduangwong and a user under the pseudonym “Yo Onshine”.

That's impossible, a read shirt leader committing a crime, that's unheard of.

[GentlemanJim]

The four included Sermsuk Kasitipradit, political and security editor of Thai Public Broadcast Service (Thai PBS), Dechatorn Tirapiriya, a Red Shirt leader in Chonburi province, Warnuee Kamduangwong and a user under the pseudonym “Yo Onshine”.

That's impossible, a read shirt leader committing a crime, that's unheard of.

Yeah, but he will get off the charge as a political criminal when the Amnesty bill is passed

[EyesWideOpen]

Oh....my....god..... With all my posts taking a somewhat dim view of the

current government, guess I will be headed to jail for sure. Maybe I should

start packing my bags !!

[Tatsujin]

You gotta love the freedom of speech and democracy here lol

[Tatsujin]

Actually, when they are proven correct (at some point in the near future) I would assume apologies and large compensations will be forthcoming?

[LuckyLew]

I love Thailand, PTP, Red Shirts, Jutaporn and all the Shinawatra;s .

There, now I should be in the good books in Thailand and will get an extension of stay

[pedro01]

Actually, when they are proven correct (at some point in the near future) I would assume apologies and large compensations will be forthcoming?

No because even if they are correct, their statements will still have panicked people!

[Robby nz]

How many panicked people would the prosecution have to get to stand up in court to get a conviction?

I hope people cant dob others in for posting "unwanted texts" if they could the red supporters on here would have a wonderful time.

[whybother]

It might rain today. Better pack an umbrella.

(Will that get me into trouble?)

[greg71]

Can i summons True Corp for the repeated sms they send day after day ? This gives my a headache .

[Redhawk]

When you say something and someone answers it is unwanted, mostly there is something true in it and as to keep the options open, not taking responsibility it is also not denied in case it should it happen!teatime !

[otherstuff1957]

Dechatorn Tirapiriya, a Red Shirt leader in Chonburi province

He probably supported the wrong amnesty bill.

[GentlemanJim]

Dechatorn Tirapiriya, a Red Shirt leader in Chonburi province

He probably supported the wrong amnesty bill.

I have to admit when I read his name I thought some paleontologist had discovered a new kind of dinosaur remains in Thailand. (This statement is not meant to panic paleontologists).

[Bluespunk]

They broke the first commandment of PT

Thou shalt not have a point of view.

[davejones]

Welcome to Cambodia in the transition to North Korea. Whatever happens only remember the words of our illustrious leader in Mongolia recently. "Freedom of speech is very important to Thailand". I think what she meant was 'Freedom of speech is very important to the ruling Government party in Thailand, anyone else will face jail time". Amazingly unbelievable Thailand.

Perhaps TV and other forums need to consider closing down now before the inevitable occurs. Thailand land of sad smiles.

I think you meant to say, welcome to USA.

[Tywais]

Guess why the Constitution is so 'flexible'. Can pretty much squelch freedom of expression under a number of 'excepts'.

Part 7
Freedom of Expression of Individual and the Press

Section 45. A person shall enjoy the liberty to express his opinion, make speech, write, print, publicise, and make expression by other means.

The restriction on liberty under paragraph one shall not be imposed except by virtue of the law specifically enacted for the purpose of maintaining the security of State, protecting the rights, liberties, dignity, reputation, family or privacy rights of other person, maintaining public order or good morals or preventing or halting the deterioration of the mind or health of the public.

The closure of a newspaper or other mass media business in deprivation of the liberty under this section shall not be made.

The prevention of a newspaper or other mass media from printing news or expressing their opinions, wholly or partly, or interference in any manner whatsoever in deprivation of the liberty under this section shall not be made except by the provisions of the law enacted in accordance with the provisions of paragraph two.

The censorship by a competent official of news or articles before their publication in a newspaper or other mass media shall not be made except during the time when the country is in a state of war; provided that it must be made by virtue of the law enacted under the provisions of paragraph two.

The owner of a newspaper or other mass media business shall be a Thai national.

No grant of money or other properties shall be made by State as subsidies to private newspapers or other mass media.

Section 46. Officials or employees in a private sector undertaking newspaper, radio or television broadcasting businesses or other mass media business shall enjoy their liberties to present news and express their opinions under the constitutional restrictions without mandate of any government agency, State agency, State enterprise or the owner of such businesses; provided that it is not contrary to their professional ethics, and shall enjoy the right to form organisation with balancing mechanism among professional organisations so as to protect rights, liberties and fairness.

Government officials, officials or employees of a government agency, State agency or State enterprise engaging in the radio or television broadcasting business or other mass media business enjoy the same liberties as those enjoyed by officials or employees under paragraph one.

Any act done by a person holding political position, State official or the owner of business with a view to obstruct or interfere the presentation of news or an expression of opinions in public issue of the person under paragraph one or paragraph two, irrespective of whether such act has been done directly or indirectly, shall be deemed as wilfully misuse of power and take no effect except where such act has been done through the enforcement of law or professional ethics.

Constitution

[jbrain]

Guess why the Constitution is so 'flexible'. Can pretty much squelch freedom of expression under a number of 'excepts'.

Part 7

Freedom of Expression of Individual and the Press

Section 45. A person shall enjoy the liberty to express his opinion, make speech, write, print, publicise, and make expression by other means.

The restriction on liberty under paragraph one shall not be imposed except by virtue of the law specifically enacted for the purpose of maintaining the security of State, protecting the rights, liberties, dignity, reputation, family or privacy rights of other person, maintaining public order or good morals or preventing or halting the deterioration of the mind or health of the public.

The closure of a newspaper or other mass media business in deprivation of the liberty under this section shall not be made.

The prevention of a newspaper or other mass media from printing news or expressing their opinions, wholly or partly, or interference in any manner whatsoever in deprivation of the liberty under this section shall not be made except by the provisions of the law enacted in accordance with the provisions of paragraph two.

The censorship by a competent official of news or articles before their publication in a newspaper or other mass media shall not be made except during the time when the country is in a state of war; provided that it must be made by virtue of the law enacted under the provisions of paragraph two.

The owner of a newspaper or other mass media business shall be a Thai national.

No grant of money or other properties shall be made by State as subsidies to private newspapers or other mass media.

Section 46. Officials or employees in a private sector undertaking newspaper, radio or television broadcasting businesses or other mass media business shall enjoy their liberties to present news and express their opinions under the constitutional restrictions without mandate of any government agency, State agency, State enterprise or the owner of such businesses; provided that it is not contrary to their professional ethics, and shall enjoy the right to form organisation with balancing mechanism among professional organisations so as to protect rights, liberties and fairness.

Government officials, officials or employees of a government agency, State agency or State enterprise engaging in the radio or television broadcasting business or other mass media business enjoy the same liberties as those enjoyed by officials or employees under paragraph one.

Any act done by a person holding political position, State official or the owner of business with a view to obstruct or interfere the presentation of news or an expression of opinions in public issue of the person under paragraph one or paragraph two, irrespective of whether such act has been done directly or indirectly, shall be deemed as wilfully misuse of power and take no effect except where such act has been done through the enforcement of law or professional ethics.

Constitution

In short : A person shall enjoy the liberty to express his opinion, as long as it suits us.

[zydeco]

This pretty much covers "panic" caused on just about any subject, doesn't it? Taxis, airports, buses, trains, immigration, etc. Just let it be known to the authorities, then, that I think every thing is just fine.

[Orac]

Actually, when they are proven correct (at some point in the near future) I would assume apologies and large compensations will be forthcoming?

No because even if they are correct, their statements will still have panicked people!

But surely if a coup happens then we will get a new constitution saying anything to do with the coup was perfectly legal and above board and therefore those who talked about it will be able to use this as a defence.

nb.For legal reasons, I do not believe there will be a coup and would never suggest otherwise

[zydeco]

Actually, when they are proven correct (at some point in the near future) I would assume apologies and large compensations will be forthcoming?

No because even if they are correct, their statements will still have panicked people!

But surely if a coup happens then we will get a new constitution saying anything to do with the coup was perfectly legal and above board and therefore those who talked about it will be able to use this as a defence.

nb.For legal reasons, I do not believe there will be a coup and would never suggest otherwise

Now, your post could conceivably cause panic for those people who might be accused of posting things that cause panic. Tread lightly.!!!

[jmccarty]

Can they summon whoever it is that keeps sending me unwanted Push messages every afternoon expecting me to download "Funny Video" to my phone?

[h90]

Oh....my....god..... With all my posts taking a somewhat dim view of the

current government, guess I will be headed to jail for sure. Maybe I should

start packing my bags !!

they are in english, no one would understand "pasat-farang"

[wolf5370]

Don't panic, don't panic ... Mr Mannering!!!

There is perhaps some logic here though - these are not run of the mill bods, these are people that are looked up to and followed - especially the PBS guy. People may well have taken it to be impending news. However, probably a severe talking to - and forced public apology - would be enough and raise less eyebrows.

[webfact]

TV news editor faces police interrogation
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Sermsuk Kasitipradit, political and security editor of Thai PBS, was among four persons facing police interrogation, following their postings on social media which could disturb society, a senior police office said on Monday.

The other three are Dechatorn Tirapiriya, a Red Shirt leader in Chon Buri province, Warnuee Kamduangwong and a user under the pseudonym "Yo Onshine".

Pol Maj Gen Pisit Pao-in, commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division, said the four suspects posted messages via social media, saying they anticipated a coup and urged people to stock up on food and water in preparations for shortage.

Their statements could put people in a state of panic, he said.

Pisit said that they may have breached the Article 14 of the National Computer Act and Article 116 of the Criminal Law. If found guilty, they could be subject to up to five years imprisonment and a maximum fine of Bt100,000.

He said police were searching for the identities of two more persons under the names "The Lady" and "Joint Chief-of-Staff Team" who are also accused of posting inappropriate statements on social media.


-- The Nation 2013-08-05

[Thai at Heart]

social media which could lead to anxiety among the general public

Oh my word. Causing anxiety gets you jailed. Very very bad retrograde step for freedom this one.