Cops scrutinise MP's posts

Pannika: Pic was'inappropriate'

The Royal Thai Police on Monday started an initial investigation into Future Forward Party (FFP) spokesperson Pannika Wanich's controversial social media posts.

Pol Lt Gen Piya Uthayo, assistant police chief and police spokesman, said the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) is reviewing Ms Pannika's social media photos and messages to see if they violate the Computer Crimes Act.

According to Pol Lt Gen Piya, the Special Branch Police has been ordered to gather further information.

"[We] can't say right now what the offences are because the probe is preliminary and evidence is being collected," he said.

One of the controversial posts features a photo of her and her friends in graduation gowns back in 2010 gesturing toward a picture of the late king. It is widely seen as highly inappropriate.

Pol Lt Gen Piya insisted that the investigation is not politically motivated and police review all social media content reported to be in violation of the law.

Activist Srisuwan Janya criticised Ms Pannika's ethi­cal standards after the controversial photo went viral, saying the law requires MPs to respect the constitutional monarchy and not engage in activities that can undermine or tarnish an MP's honour.

He said the behaviour could be considered a violation of Section 112 of the Criminal Code, better known as the lese majeste law, and could see her MP status revoked and electoral rights suspended for 10 years.

Mr Srisuwan said he will today file a complaint with the National Anti Corruption Commission (NACC) asking it to investigate whether Ms Pannika, who is an FFP party list MP, has violated ethical standards for political office holders.

"I'll petition the NACC today to rule whether she has breached the code of conduct," he said.

After the controversy erupted, Ms Pannika on Sunday posted a Facebook message to clarify the issue. She admitted the controversial picture was "inappropriate" and issued an apology. She said the social media posts were mainly shared by the regime's "information operation" task force and intended to discredit her by drawing the institution into the matter.