Bangkok:The government has issued a warning concerning online scams and bullying occurring via LINE OpenChat, advising victims to collect evidence and report these incidents to the police immediately.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, highlighted the government's commitment to protecting citizens, particularly children and youth, from online harassment. The warning follows a statement by Ms. Nan Bunthida Somchai, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy and Society, regarding the misuse of LINE OpenChat for spreading personal information and harassment. The government is urging parents to monitor their children's online activities closely, emphasizing that online bullying is a serious issue that should not be faced alone by victims.
Ms. Lalida advised those experiencing bullying or harassment on LINE OpenChat to refrain from responding with harsh words. Victims are encouraged to safely collect evidence, such as screenshots and details of the incident, before blocking, reporting, or exiting the group. This evidence can be crucial for investigations, and if necessary, victims should file a police report without waiting for the platform to respond.
The government and Ministry of Digital Economy and Society urge the public to refrain from sharing personal information of children and youth for shaming purposes, as this could infringe on rights and cause additional harm. Instead, evidence should be submitted directly to the authorities or the platform. Parents are encouraged to engage in open discussions with their children about the use of online media, respect for others' rights, and to provide a supportive environment for discussing any online issues.
Ms. Lalida emphasized that assessing guilt requires examining facts on a case-by-case basis, particularly in matters involving children, where their rights and age should be considered to ensure fairness. The government stresses that victims should seek help from trusted adults or officials and that evidence collection should not lead to further harm.