AFTER the hashtag “Clubhousetoxic” repeated shocking abuses against northeastern Isaan people from several Clubhouse chat rooms and this went viral on Thai social media yesterday (Nov. 5), the police today issued strong warning to the racist gangs, Sanook.com said.
Pol. Col. Krisana Pattanacharoen, deputy spokesman of the Royal Thai Police, said this is a case of using social media platforms incorrectly and may lead to cyberbullying, bullying, slandering and taunts.
This sort of action hurts people and may lead to the victims being physically harmed and defaming others is an offense under the law, he said, also warning that it can lead to conflicts.
Insulting others or causing hatred can be considered a defamation offense punishable with maximum one year imprisonment or 20,000 baht fine or both.
If the general public can see or have access to such messages the perpetrators face maximum two years in jail or 200,000 baht fine or charges under other laws.
Pol. Col. Krishna said this warning was issued to raise awareness that comments in social media on gender differences, skin colour and expressing political opinions is considered normal. However showing disgust over differences is something most societies do not accept.
In expressing viewpoints on social media people must not infringe on the rights of others nor break the law or go against good morals.
CAPTION:
A screengrab from a Clubhouse chat room with Thai headline says, “#Clubhousetoxic defaming people of other regions comes under cyberbullying category.” Photo: Sanook.com
