Constitutional Court Takes Legal Action Against Online Platforms for Spreading Disinformation
BANGKOK – The Office of the Constitutional Court of Thailand has initiated legal proceedings against online media outlets for disseminating false videos and news reports that misrepresent the court’s inquiry process. This action follows the identification of misleading content circulating on various social media platforms, specifically targeting the Court’s procedures and undermining its authority. The Court alleges that this disinformation campaign has created significant public confusion and damaged the institution’s reputation. Citing specific legal provisions, the Court aims to hold accountable those responsible for creating and spreading the false narratives.
The misleading information campaign, discovered on Monday, August 25, 2025, involved the distribution of fabricated videos and news articles across multiple online channels. These materials distorted the Constitutional Court’s investigative procedures, presenting a skewed and inaccurate portrayal of its operations. The Court contends that this deliberate dissemination of false information constitutes a violation of the Computer Crime Act B.E. 2550 (2007), along with other relevant laws. Furthermore, the Court asserts that these actions infringe upon its authority as protected under Sections 38 and 39 of the Constitutional Court Procedure Act B.E. 2561 (2018) and Articles 10 and 11 of the Constitutional Court Rules on the Procedure for Constitutional Cases B.E. 2562 (2019).
In a decisive move to address the spread of disinformation, the Office of the Constitutional Court, on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, lodged a formal complaint with the Cyber Crime Investigation Division 1 of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB). The complaint specifically names the Facebook page “The Critics” and the YouTube channel “Thai Move Institute” as primary sources of the false information. The Court accuses these platforms of disseminating fabricated news that misrepresents the Court’s inquiry process, thereby violating the Computer Crime Act B.E. 2550 (2007). This legal action underscores the Court’s commitment to protecting its integrity and upholding the rule of law in the digital sphere.
The Constitutional Court’s legal action against these online platforms signals a growing concern regarding the proliferation of disinformation and its potential to erode public trust in vital institutions. The Court’s move to engage law enforcement agencies demonstrates a commitment to actively combating the spread of false information and holding those responsible accountable. The outcome of this case will likely have significant implications for the regulation of online content in Thailand and could set a precedent for future legal action against purveyors of disinformation.
The specific content of the false videos and news articles has not yet been detailed publicly by the Court, presumably to avoid further amplifying the misinformation. However, the Court’s emphasis on misrepresentation of the inquiry process suggests the false narratives may aim to undermine the Court’s credibility and impartiality. The ongoing investigation by the CCIB will likely delve into the specific content of the disputed materials and examine the intent behind their dissemination. This investigation will be crucial in determining the extent of the alleged violations and in establishing the responsibility of the accused platforms and individuals.
This legal battle between the Constitutional Court and the online media outlets highlights the increasing challenges posed by disinformation in the digital age. The ease with which false information can be created and disseminated online requires robust legal frameworks and proactive measures to protect institutions and uphold the integrity of public discourse. The outcome of this case will be closely watched by legal experts, media organizations, and civil society groups alike, as it has the potential to reshape the landscape of online content regulation and the fight against disinformation in Thailand. The Court’s decisive action underscores the importance of maintaining public trust in judicial processes and safeguarding against the erosion of democratic institutions through the spread of false narratives.
