LINE Thailand Shuts 42 OpenChat Groups Linked to Child Bullying
Thailand's Education Minister Akkrananth Kanjanakitin announced that LINE Thailand has closed 42 OpenChat groups linked to child bullying. He stressed shared responsibility for online safety, warned against the groups reopening, and urged the public not to share content that further harms victimized children.
Akkrananth Kanjanakitin, Minister of Education, in his capacity as chair of the Center for the Protection of Rights, Liberties and Safety, disclosed progress on tackling child and youth bullying via LINE OpenChat groups. He stated that LINE Thailand has so far shut down about 42 related chat groups to curb the situation before it escalates and potentially violates others' rights or breaks the law.
Akkrananth thanked LINE Thailand and all stakeholders for their swift, serious cooperation, showing that all sides recognize the gravity of the issue and agree that children and youth must be jointly protected. He emphasized that online safety and children's dignity must be upheld, and that social media use carries responsibility — posting, sharing, or commenting in ways that harm others can deeply affect young lives. He called for constructive, rights-respecting use of online spaces.
He added that although 42 groups have been closed, the problem is not considered resolved. There remains a risk that similar groups could reappear or new ones be created, requiring continuous monitoring and coordination with agencies to detect and report further bullying or threats against children. He appealed to society not to revictimize targeted children by circulating harmful content, but instead to help safeguard their rights and dignity.
