Bangkok: The Prime Minister has confirmed that the circulating news criticizing the Deputy Commander of Army Area 2 for allegedly requesting temple funds is false.

According to Thai News Agency, Anutin Charnvirakul, who also serves as the Interior Minister, expressed his intent to take legal action against those spreading what he labeled as fake news. The reports in question claim that Maj. Gen. Nat Sri-in, the Deputy Commander of the Second Army Region, sought a 15 million baht donation from a temple. Anutin described these reports as malicious, emphasizing that it is not an appropriate time to criticize anyone, given that everyone is working towards the country’s welfare.

Addressing the dissemination of the news on social media, the Prime Minister criticized the report, calling it “terrible,” while noting that he did not even know the individual mentioned. Anutin questioned the motives behind such reports, highlighting the apparent malicious intent, which he found alarming due to the multiple and widespread nature of the reports. He stressed the importance of addressing the issue legally and confirmed his intention to proceed with legal action, although he noted that the process was hindered by the fact that the day of the announcement was a holiday.