BANGKOK: Thai authorities arrested two people for posting "fake news" about the coronavirus as a senior official on Thursday (Jan 30) warned Internet users to think twice before sharing incorrect information about the pathogen.
The Southeast Asian country has detected 14 cases, the second-highest number outside China where 170 have been killed since the outbreak emerged in the city of Wuhan.
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Thailand's digital economy minister Buddhipongse Punnakanta told AFP that a man and woman were charged with violating the computer crimes act – which can carry up to five years in prison – for separate social media posts about the SARS-like virus.
One was a misleading video clip while another promoted false information about an alleged case in a beachside city.
"They already admitted that they created fake news," Buddhipongse said, adding that more suspects are being investigated and others should take note.
"You better think a lot more and look for sources of where news comes from."
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MORE: Our coverage on the Wuhan virus and its developments
READ: Local transmission is possible: Thai government prepares for further spread of Wuhan virus
The Internet has unleashed a deluge of misinformation over the virus, from misleading death tolls to quack remedies and even prejudice against Chinese people.
Thailand, which relies heavily on Chinese tourism, has come unRead More – Source
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