Police Deputy Spokesman Warns Against Creating and Sharing 'Trash Content' or Face Legal Action
Thai police warn content creators against making prank videos that could harm the public, threatening legal action under multiple criminal codes after an influencer allegedly applied a powder to people's faces during Songkran.
Police Deputy Spokesman Warns Against Creating and Sharing 'Trash Content' or Face Legal Action! Reveals case involving alleged use of substances during Songkran festival, no victims have filed complaints yet
On April 27, 2025, at the Royal Thai Police headquarters, Police Major General Sirivat Deepho, Deputy Spokesman of the Royal Thai Police, stated that following an incident where an influencer created content by allegedly mixing a powder claiming to be an anesthetic drug with water and applying it to people's faces during the Songkran festival, such behavior, if true, would not only cause public annoyance but could potentially harm the public. He issued a warning to YouTubers, influencers, online content creators, and the general public to prevent copycat behavior and mitigate potential harm:
1. Cease creating prank content that causes public distress – Actions that cause annoyance, threats, or public embarrassment violate the Criminal Code Section 397, with penalties up to 5,000 baht. If hazardous materials or chemicals are used causing bodily or psychological harm, charges of assault under Section 295 apply, carrying imprisonment up to 2 years or fines up to 40,000 baht, or both.
2. Avoid spreading false information for views or publicity – Posting false videos or messages likely to cause public panic may violate the Computer Crime Act B.E. 2550 (and amendments), Section 14(2), with penalties of imprisonment up to 5 years or fines up to 100,000 baht, or both.
3. Stop sharing or supporting channels producing trash content – To reduce risks of misinformation spread and prevent becoming a tool to increase viewership for those creating social problems, which could lead to illegal copycat behavior.
Police Major General Sirivat further stated that investigations at Phra Pradaeng Police Station in Samut Prakan, where the influencer was conducting Songkran activities, found no reports of victims being harmed or affected by the powder application. However, if any member of the public suffers harm or impact from being sprayed with such substance, they have the right to pursue legal action against the perpetrator.
If citizens witness criminal acts, creation of content causing public distress, or suffer harm from pranks, they can report tips or emergencies to the emergency hotline 191 or the Royal Thai Police hotline 1599 available 24 hours.
