Police Crackdown Extends to Cyber Crimes

Pattaya Times staff Pattaya Times newspaper and website 20.04.2010 03:47

Pattaya Cyber Sex Crimes Police

Making pornography in Thailand can be a crime. The continuing crackdown on illegal activities, especially those committed by foreigners, has expanded to the pornography business and has led to arrests of foreigners.

Thai police are able to seize computers from homes and businesses under a new cyber-crime law that came into force recently; which authorities say will help crack down on Internet pornography. It is not illegal to make pornography in Thailand for personal use but the law is strict concerning distribution with severe penalties.

The Computer-related Crimes Act allows authorities to seize computers if they suspect they will be used illegally. People found guilty of breaking the new law could face up to 20 years in prison.

This is to prevent computers being used for sending pornographic material." Information and Communications Technology Ministry spokesman Vissanu Meeyoo said.The crackdown has also targeted porn peddlers on Beach Road where images of underage content were found and visible to passers-by.

Bangkok’s notorious piracy hotspot Phanthip Plaza has also been targeted with arrests being made recently.

Previously five Japanese men and two Japanese women were arrested for recording a Porn movie on Pattaya beach at night. Three men from Thailand were also arrested apparently as they were to interact with the Japanese women in the movie.

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