The Thai government has warned against online content that hinges on insulting or irking royal institutions in the nation, this comes after a video posted by a social media influencer for Lazada, depicted skits that the royalty claims mocked the palace.
Royalty in Thailand is highly revered and the law in the country prescribed a punishment of up to 15 years in jail for each offense if found guilty of defaming, insulting, or threatening King Maha Vajralongkorn and his family. The video showed a woman dressed in traditional costume sitting in a wheelchair who plays the influencer’s mother, the royalists claim the depiction of the woman resembles a member of the royalty.
However, the influencer Aniwat posted on her Facebook said the clip was a parody of a famous Thai soap opera and told her critics that what they perceived was all in their imagination.
Lazada has since apologised for the video and issued a statement saying it should have been more careful. A government spokesperson reminded brands that such content risked damaging their reputation and warn content creators, marketers, and influencers to be careful when presenting content that makes reference to the royal or palace.
