Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit has filed a police complaint against people she alleges spread false information about her on social media in connection with a fatal ambush in Narathiwat province in which five paramilitary rangers were killed.
The posts in question led to death threats and online hate directed at her, she told reporters at Bang Yi Ruea police station this morning, and damaged her reputation.
The complaint is linked to the July 22 attack at the Buket Sami checkpoint in Tanyong Mat subdistrict of Ra-ngae district, Narathiwat, in which five paramilitary rangers were killed and several civilians, including children, were injured.
Angkhana said she had never commented publicly on the incident. She claims, however, that false statements were fabricated and widely circulated on social media, prompting hostile reactions, including messages intended to incite hatred.
She also alleged that the unverified information was further disseminated by a former senior government official, saying the incident highlighted the dangers of misinformation during times of conflict and the potential consequences for the safety of those targeted.
Angkhana said she filed the complaint to seek legal action against those responsible for "importing false information into a computer system", as well as for defamation, online harassment and incitement to hatred.
She said she wanted authorities to investigate the facts and prosecute those involved in accordance with the law.
She also questioned the effectiveness of state agencies responsible for preventing and combating cybercrime, asking why they had failed to stop or respond promptly to online harassment that could endanger people's lives and safety.
Angkhana said she would continue to monitor the progress of the case and plans to meet again with the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau to press authorities on what further measures can be taken to address similar incidents and better protect the rights and freedoms of the public.
