An Internet personality in Thailand is facing defamation charges after she made some derogatory comments about a dress worn by Miss Thailand during one of the preliminary events of the Miss Universe 2018 pageant.
YouTuber Wanchaleom Jamneanphol, who goes by the nickname “Mixy Bigmouth”, found herself in hot water after posting some unflattering comments about Miss Thailand Sophida Kanchanarin’s blue gown which was designed by Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, daughter of the country’s king.
According to a report by Agence France-Presse, Thai monarchy is considered sacred in Thai society.
No one dares to criticize or insult anything that has something to do with the king, queen, heir-apparent and regent. The same goes with other members of the royal families.
Jamneanphol’s comments about the blue dress went viral on social media and reached Kitjanut Chaiyosburana, an aspiring politician seeking to run for public office on next year’s national elections, who filed the defamation charges against her.
“I think Internet idols are like an actor or actress with many followers . . . so if they commit wrongdoing online it should not end up with just apologies,” AFP quoted Chaiyosburana as saying.
Under local law, any Thai citizen is permitted to file defamation charges on behalf of another person. A person can face up to two years in prison because of it.
Jamneanphol has since deleted her viral post and apologized for her comments on social media.
“To Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, I had no intention to insult the monarchy. I feel remorse and regret for this incident,” she wrote.
