Minister says he has no authority to shut Lazada, case going to court

DIGITAL Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn said according to the law his ministry does not have the authority to shut Lazada with the court to consider the issue of a promotional video clip criticised for negatively referring to the monarchy, Sanook.com said this afternoon (May 11).

This promotional video clip was produced by Mr. Anivat Prathumthin, or Nara Crepe Kratoey, a popular net idol and had attracted a lot of comments from activist groups. 

Speaking at the opening ceremony of a business and industry census event at Centra by Centara Government Complex Hotel & Convention Centre Chaiwut said his ministry is working with the police in gathering evidence to take the matter to the court soon. 

Those deemed to have committed an offence, including the video clip creator, employers, contractor, the actors, those who posted it and also those who shared it will face a case in court which will decide whether or not they should be punished.

Chaiwut also said that Thai people and various organisations had the right to ban Lazada and disagree with its action.

“I think it is the right of each party. I want everyone to understand that the context of Thai society and its values differ from other countries. I would like everyone who comes to do business in Thailand to understand this,” Chaiwut said.

On Friday royalists had rallied at Lazada’s office on Sukhumvit road to demand a more serious apology over this promotional video clip as they were not satisfied with the apology issued earlier. They were also dissatisfied that a junior staff member had been sent to receive their complaint and wanted someone with authority to meet them but none showed up.

After that the Army Chief Gen. Narongphan Jitkaewthae ordered all army units nationwide to refrain from ordering products from Lazada eCommerce platform with the company’s delivery vehicles also banned from entering army compounds nationwide.

CAPTION:

Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn. Top photo: Naewna, Home Page photo: Tna,MCOT

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