Cash claim suspect nabbed

National police chief Somyot Poompanmuang has confirmed the arrest of a woman suspected of spreading rumours on social media that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his wife had transferred more than 10 billion baht to Singapore.

Authorities claim the suspect is linked to the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD).

Pol Gen Somyot said yesterday the military had arrested the suspect but declined to give further details, saying that a thorough interrogation was still under way.

Whether the suspect belonged to an anti-government group was likely to be known after questioning was complete, he said.

Pol Gen Somyot warned people against posting or forwarding messages which might cause harm to others. This breaches the Computer Crimes Act, he said.

He said he favoured the acquisition of a single internet gateway system, which can better prevent content deemed inappropriate from being put up on websites, including those overseas.

Pol Lt Gen Prawut Thawornsiri, the police spokesman, said the suspect is a woman and has been detained under martial law. Equipment used to spread the rumours has also been seized.

Pol Lt Gen Prawut said initial inquiries indicated she was linked to those who previously posted fabricated countercoup stories on social media. They were believed to have acted under orders, he said without elaboration.

Prime Minister Prayut said authorities have obtained a photo showing the suspect taking part in activities held by the UDD.