Dept slams 24 storms ‘fake news’

The Meteorological Department is warning people against spreading the fake news that Thailand will be hit by 24 storms, noting that giving false information can lead to five years in prison.
In a Facebook post, the department said there has been widespread dissemination of false meteorological warnings by unauthorised individuals online.
It said that spreading false, misleading or fake information, as well as fabricated news, violates Section 14 of the Computer Crime Act. Penalties include up to five years and prison and/or a fine of up to 100,000 baht.
Wetang Phuangsup, deputy permanent secretary for the Digital Economy and Society Ministry, said several fake news stories have spread recently that are related to natural disasters, with one claiming that a total of 24 storms will strike Thailand this year.