The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand has filed 15 police complaints against people who posted on social media, accusing them of spreading false information with intent to damage its reputation, an Egat official said.
Pranee Tangseri, assistant chief of the power utility's legal office, said the complaints allege defamation and violation of the Computer Crime Act. The complaints were being processed by the police.
Ms Pranee said the false information include accusations that Egat's power plants are sources of pollution which can cause sicknesses and death, and that Egat wants to build coal-fired power plants without regard for the people's health.
Some of the pictures posted on social media tarnished Egat's reputation and created misunderstanding, according to the complaints. The posters were not identified.
Ms Pranee said Egat is open to honest criticism, but will not tolerate false accusations.
Violators of Section 326 of the Criminal Code are liable to a maximum sentence of one year in prison and/or a fine of 20,000 baht, while Section 14 of the Computer Crime Act carries to a maximum of five years imprisonment and/or a fine of 100,000 baht.