The new copyright law aimed at protecting internet media will take effect on Aug 4.
The legislation, formally called the Copyrights Act (No. 2) B.E. 2558, protects creators of all types of content on the internet to suit a shift in media behaviours of both creators and exploiters, said Maj Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd, a deputy spokesman of the Prime Minister's Office, on Monday.
"Unlike the existing copyright law, this one spells out clearly punishments for online violations," he said.
A social network user who, having found photos or videos using search engines, removes their credit and claims they are their own work or uses them for commercial purposes can be sued by the rights owners.
"If a person reposts a photo while keeping proper credit of its creator, he won't be considered violating the law. But if the poster is a juristic person, it might be prosecuted. So it's best to ask for permission from rights owners first," he explained.
The punishment is fines ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 baht and if the offence is committed for commercial purposes, the offender will face a jail term of three months to two years, or a fine of 50,000 to 400,000 baht, or both.
"The violated items will also be seized and a court may order it destroyed with the violator footing the bills.
"The new law will protect creative work on the internet. It allows rights owner to force a violator to stop the act. This will encourage people to innovate and promote creativity. The law will allow the digital economy to grow sustainably," he said.