Cops charge woman who ‘defamed’ PM
Police have pressed charges against a 44-year-old woman who yesterday admitted posting a Facebook message claiming Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his wife had wired tens of billions of baht to Singapore.
Rinda Paruechabutr, from Pathum Thani, said she copied the message from the Line application and posted it on a Facebook page set up by her ex-husband. She denied creating the message herself.
She spoke at a police press conference led by national police chief Somyot Poompunmuang.
Ms Rinda said she did not intend to stir unrest, but considered people should have a right to criticise the government whether it had been elected or not.
Police said they believed Ms Rinda was acting on behalf of Manoon Chaichana, also known as Anek Sanfran, who is still at large in the US. Ms Rinda denied knowing Mr Manoon.
Mr Manoon was also alleged to have encouraged another suspect, Chayapha Chokpornbussorn, to spread rumours of a coup against the present regime.
Pol Gen Somyot said Ms Rinda may have posted the message without understanding she was committing an offence that infringed on the rights of other people.
Technology Crime Suppression Division chief Siripong Timula said the message was posted on the Facebook page on Monday.
Police pressed charges against her for posting false information on a computer system, and causing damage to national security which could lead to public panic. She could face a one-year jail term and a fine of 20,000 baht.
She also faces a charge under the Criminal Code for employing unconstitutional means or expressing dishonest opinions that could cause disturbance in the country. This carries a seven-year sentence.