Bangkok: Cyber police have issued a warning regarding the dissemination of content involving "caulking and powder," cautioning influencers against spreading misleading information that could lead to multiple legal charges.
According to Thai News Agency, the warning follows a controversial video that surfaced during the Songkran festival in Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan Province. The video, featuring an influencer known as "Bird Wanwangwang," depicts the application of a white powder-like substance, labeled as "caulking glue," on the faces and eyes of festival-goers. This act has drawn widespread criticism for its inappropriate nature and potential hazards.
Police Major General Chachapan Klaiklung, Deputy Commander of the Technology Crime Investigation Bureau, has described "Bird Wanwangwang" as a creator of inappropriate content. Two victims have filed complaints at the Phra Pradaeng Police Station, prompting investigators to arrange thorough medical examinations for the victims. Should the examinations reveal severe injuries caused by the chemical, such as blindness, the case will be prosecuted under Section 297 of the Criminal Code, which carries a penalty of 6 months to 10 years imprisonment. Lesser injuries fall under Section 295, punishable by up to 2 years imprisonment. The influencer could also face charges for importing false or misleading information into a computer system, with penalties of up to 5 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 100,000 baht.
Additionally, the company that owns the sealant plans to pursue legal action against "Bird" for misleading the public by featuring their product's brand logo. The Phra Pradaeng Police Station is collaborating with the company to file a complaint. Individuals featured in the video without consent may also file complaints under the PDPA (Personal Data Protection Act).
Cyber police are reviewing video content from "Bird's" channel to identify any other legal violations, such as causing public panic or promoting illegal activities like gambling. The evidence will be forwarded to the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE) to facilitate the shutdown of "Bird Wanwangwan's" social media accounts within 1-2 days.
The cyber police highlighted "Bird's" defiant behavior, noting his travel to Hong Kong and video posts claiming he had not been detained. Authorities confirmed the seriousness of the offense, which carries a minimum 5-year imprisonment, and mentioned an arrest warrant could be issued if he fails to respond to a summons. Police urged "Bird" to return to Thailand, emphasizing the need for him to clarify his actions.
Police Major General Chachapandakarn also urged influencers to avoid creating misleading content and advised the public against engaging with such material. He highlighted the growing challenge of online crime, with significant financial damages reported daily. Authorities are seeking cooperation from social media platforms to monitor and suppress inappropriate content quickly, and stricter regulations may be considered to facilitate more expeditious actions.
Pol. Col. Thamnurat Kongman, Deputy Commander of the Technology Crime Investigation Bureau 1, elaborated on legal measures against spreading false information online. He stated that if content is intentionally misleading and causes public panic, it constitutes a crime under Section 14 of the Computer Crime Act. Legal penalties include up to 5 years imprisonment, a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both.
Monitoring of online content is conducted both physically and digitally, with immediate investigations for any false or illegal information. Authorities can propose blocking access to such content, with cooperation from various platforms, and AI technology is being utilized to detect and remove illegal material efficiently.