VIP Group Arrested for Sharing Obscene and Pornographic Clips on Social Media.

Bangkok: In a significant crackdown on illegal online activities, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has dismantled a criminal network involved in the production and distribution of obscene and pornographic content through social media platforms. The operation, conducted in partnership with the Personal Data Protection Committee (PDPC), targeted a group responsible for the circulation and sale of hundreds of thousands of explicit clips. According to Thai News Agency, the operation was led by Pol. Lt. Col. Khemchat Prakaihongmanee of the Technology and Information Crime Division, and Pol. Col. Surapong Plengkham of the PDPC's Inspection and Supervision Office. A coordinated effort by the Technology and Information Crime Division, the Investigation and Intelligence Center, and the Special Operations Division, along with various organizations including LIFT INTERNATIONAL and OUR Rescue, led to arrests in Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, and Trang Provinces. The suspects were implicated in Special Case No. 3 7/2567, involving the dissemination of obscene images and video clips via websites and Telegram. The investigation revealed that the offenders used the website www.asianclip.xyz and a Telegram group named Asinclip to advertise and sell obscene media. They exploited personal information without consent to lure individuals into joining the group, offering sensitive details about victims to attract members. This activity violated the Personal Data Protection Act B.E. 2562, leading to harassment and humiliation of victims. The group charged membership fees ranging from 300 to 1,000 baht per month, amassing over 20,000 members and generating income exceeding 100,000 baht monthly. The evidence collected included about 10,000 clips, with 10% containing child pornography. Task Force operations led to the arrest of key individuals. In Kanchanaburi Province, Mr. Thatchaphon was apprehended for managing the website and Telegram group, facing charges under the Computer Crime Act and Criminal Code for distributing obsce ne and child pornography content. In Ratchaburi Province, Mr. Songwut was arrested for allowing his bank account to be used for collecting membership fees, violating the Royal Decree on Measures to Prevent and Suppress Technology Crimes. In Trang Province, Mr. Thanakorn was detained for creating pornographic clips by deceiving victims, facing charges under the Criminal Code and Child Protection Act for exploiting minors. This proactive operation by the DSI emphasized the enforcement of the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) to protect citizens' rights and maintain societal order. The authorities suspended bank accounts linked to the criminal activities and plan to expand their investigation to apprehend those in possession of the clips or who purchased the services. The offense of disclosing personal information, particularly of sensitive groups, is punishable under the PDPA with imprisonment up to 1 year and a fine not exceeding 1 million baht. The victims in this case include those who had their self-tak en clips leaked and those who were deceived into participating in obscene recordings.