Thailand bans distribution of COVID-19 fake news

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Bangkok (VNA) - Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has issued an announcement banning the distribution of "fake news" or information causing public fears across all media platforms, in an effort to prevent disinformation from undermining the government's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The announcement, signed by the PM, was published in the Royal Gazette on July 29 and issued in compliance with Section 9 of the emergency decree.

According to the announcement, the distribution of information causing public fears or distribution of distorted information causing misunderstanding and affecting national stability is prohibited.

If false content is spread online, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) is required to inform internet service providers to check IP addresses and immediately suspend services. 

Meanwhile, the government is considering extending the COVID-19 lockdown in 13 "dark red" provinces for another two weeks as daily new infections continue to soar.

Thailand reported 17,345 new cases and 117 fatalities on July 30, bringing the total number of infections to 578,375 and death toll to 4,679./.

VNA