Police Investigate Fake 7M Transfer Slip to PM Anutin

The case of the 'Godd Dam' page posting a 7 million baht transfer slip image claiming it was 'tea money' transferred to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's account became a hot political topic before verification confirmed it as fake news and a fake slip. Security agencies, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES), and the Royal Thai Police jointly investigated and identified the page owner as a 26-year-old man, a former Move Forward Party member. Police filed charges at Bang Khen Police Station for violations of Criminal Code Section 112 and the Computer Crime Act for posting false information, with other posts under investigation. Meanwhile, the Royal Thai Police confirmed no arrest has been made despite rumors, as they are still gathering evidence and reviewing past posts. PM Anutin stated he ignores fake news, believing the public can discern, but reserves the right to pursue legal action to protect his reputation and those who shared the false information. Police warned the public to verify information before sharing, as spreading fake news may constitute a crime. However, previously the 'Godd Dam' page had exposed financial trails and online gambling businesses, particularly the case of 'MP Idear' Suchada Saeng Than Tharat and her husband, raising immediate suspicions about why the fake slip news emerged as a major issue while the other case held public attention. Critics noted the swift identification of the page owner might divert attention from gambling website issues involving government figures. Supporters viewed it as an attempt to smear the Prime Minister with false information, and the quick investigation as standard police work, not a cover-up. The confirmed fact is the 7 million slip is fake. But whether someone used this as a 'trap' for political gain requires more evidence. Questioning the government is a public right, as is the right to protect the reputation of those directly implicated. What the public should watch is whether officials handle the fake news case straightforwardly and fairly, and continue investigating gambling website suspicions. Because managing fake news and investigating powerful figures are separate matters, and the state should clarify both. Not letting one case cause society to lose sight of another unresolved case. By Man Mu Suea.