Coronavirus: Thai authorities arrest, charge two over fake news on outbreak

People walk with face masks outside the Grand Palace in Bangkok on January 27, 2020. - AFP

BANGKOK (Bernama): Thailand's Digital Economy and Society Ministry said Thursday (Jan 30) that two Thai suspects were arrested and charged with spreading false news with regard to the latest novel coronavirus outbreak, Xinhua news agency reports.

"We have been closely monitoring news and speculation regarding the coronavirus outbreak on social and online media via the Anti-Fake News Centre Thailand to ensure that people receive only verified news and not cause panic among the public," said Minister Buddhipongse Punnakanta Thursday.