The police warn all people to Songkran not to publish photos or video clips of permissive people in the Thai social networks. The same applies to photos and videos of inviting alcohol consumption, warns the police on. Such photos, videos or actions are illegal and punishable.
People posting such images or videos on social networks face fines and / or imprisonment, police said yesterday on the eve of the annual Songkran Festival, which is known for its entertaining parties and water-fighting.
Police Colonel Siriwat Deepor, the spokesman and deputy commander of the Division Technology Crime Suppression (TCSD), said that at previous Songkran festivals, inappropriate photos of young women and ladyboys were frequently published on Thai social media. He urged revelers to mark the traditional Thai New Year with polite cultural activities and to refrain from any risky behavior that could lead to violations of the computer law and related laws.
Colonel Siriwat said that if Songkran's images or video clips were used by people celebrating wearing "sexually provocative clothing," those who publish or share them might be charged in violation of computer law and imprisoned for a maximum of five years and / or a maximum fine of 100,000 baht.
Persons shot with photos or video clips could be accused of having performed a shameful act in public by behaving indecently or having committed other indecent acts within the meaning of Section 388 of the Criminal Code, which is also a maximum fine 500 baht.
Contributions to the social networks inviting others to drink alcohol are also subject to a maximum of one year in prison and a maximum fine of 500,000 baht (under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act), said Colonel Siriwat.
Other indecent images, videos, or live streaming that violate the good morals of society and the law could also threaten legal action, Colonel Siriwat added.
The commander of the TCSD, Police Major General Paiboon Noihoon, instructed the officers to closely monitor the Thai social media during the Songkran Festival to quickly investigate possible violations and prevent other viewers, especially young people, from copying indecent behavior. The officials are to ensure that the Songkran Festival is duly celebrated in accordance with Thai tradition and culture.
"Be warned that TCSD officials are able to identify the places where they are being prosecuted and the suspects can not claim to be ignorant of the law or the consequences of their actions or to have no illicit intent "Major General Paiboon said.
Meanwhile, police chief in Bangkok, Police Lieutenant General Sutthipong Wongpin said that the ban on alcoholic beverages in moving vehicles applies not only to drivers but also to passengers. This should not prevent the driver from taking drunk passengers, he added.
"The law sees alcoholic drinks aboard the vehicle as incriminating evidence," he warned, pointing out that if drunk driving was allowed, both the driver and passengers could be held accountable for violating the ban.
He therefore called on revelers to avoid driving after drinking in order to avoid serious punishment in the event of a fatal accident.
Sutthipong made the remark after having presided over 200 officers of the assistant superintendent and inspectors in his office. They discussed security measures to be implemented at various locations in Bangkok during the festivities from 12 to 16 April, and plan to ensure a smooth flow of traffic on the main roads and near transport hubs.
Police Lieutenant General Sutthipong also said that the city police, as usual, would not take time out or holiday on Songkran because the public needs them.
Source: Thailand Tip, The Nation, Fiveprime, Pattaya Funtime