BANGKOK — 1 April 2026, Thai government warned the public to exercise caution on April Fools’ Day, saying false or misleading posts that cause harm or public panic could lead to criminal charges, including imprisonment and fines.
Ayrin Phanrit, deputy government spokesperson, said 1 April is widely observed as April Fools’ Day, when people often share jokes or hoaxes for amusement. While such activities can help build relationships and relieve stress, she said they can also negatively affect others or trigger public alarm, particularly when false information is posted on social media and rapidly shared.
The government, through the Royal Thai Police, urged people to avoid creating or spreading false claims, even as jokes, if they could damage others or cause panic.
Under Thai law, offences may include:
- Defamation by publication under Section 328 of the Criminal Code, which carries a penalty of up to two years in prison and/or a fine of up to 200,000 baht for content that harms a person’s reputation or exposes them to hatred or contempt.
- Importing or disseminating false information into a computer system in a way that affects national security, public safety, the economy, or critical infrastructure, or causes public panic, under the Computer Crime Act (2007) and its amendments, Section 14 (1), (2) and (15). This carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to 100,000 baht.
Ayrin added that amid tensions in the Middle East affecting the global energy situation, the government is urging the public to share only accurate and useful information to maintain confidence.
She advised people to verify information before sharing it and said those affected by fake news, or who encounter misleading content causing confusion, can file complaints at local police stations or report tips via the 191 emergency hotline or the Royal Thai Police hotline 1599, available 24 hours a day.