Activist Files Police Report Against Weather Facebook Page
Political activist Sonthiya Sweetmee filed a police complaint against the anonymous operator of the 'T Weather and Wind' Facebook page, alleging it spreads false weather forecasts without meteorological expertise, causing public panic and e
On September 25, political activist Sonthiya Sweetmee visited the Central Investigation Police Bureau's complaint center to file a case against the owner of the Facebook page 'T Weather and Wind,' which operates anonymously. He requested prosecution under the Computer Crime Act of 2550 and its amendments, specifically Section 14(2), which covers the entry of false data into computer systems that could harm national security or cause public panic.
Sonthiya argued that weather and flood forecasting should not be conducted by individuals without expertise in meteorology, geography, hydrology, or water cycle systems. He contended that incorrect information spread through social media can cause public alarm, social turmoil, and damage to the economy, tourism, and public mental health.
Sonthiya noted a similar case in 1998 when he filed a complaint against a former director of the Thai Meteorological Department for issuing warnings about storm surge phenomena in the upper Gulf of Thailand and eastern region. He emphasized that natural phenomena, weather conditions, and disaster warnings should be the responsibility of official agencies and experts equipped with proper instruments and data systems at both regional and national levels. He stressed that spreading such information to seek attention without proper authority should not cause public panic or harm to the country and its people. Investigators invited him to provide additional testimony on the sixth floor of the Phithak Santhi Building at the Technology Crime Suppression Division to proceed with further legal procedures.
