GOT7's BamBam's mother, Mama B, earned the netizens' criticism after taking an April Fools' prank seriously, leading her to file a hefty lawsuit to the user. And now, supporters of the Thai K-pop idol are wary as this might affect his career, especially in his homeland Thailand.
A famous Thai K-pop idol, BamBam, has been enjoying his success as a boyband member of one of the most popular groups, GOT7. His mother, Kochakorn Bhuwakul, has been drawing attention since then for being a supportive and loving parent-turned-celebrity and has been capturing Ahgases' (GOT7's fandom name) hearts because of her sweet moments with her son.
However, netizens were disappointed after she allegedly didn't act as a role model for filing Lése-Majesté to an individual who impersonated her during the April' Fools celebration. According to fans, it is a trend in Thailand to impersonate celebrities, that was why online users are currently criticizing Mama B for taking it seriously.
Apparently, she was upset that her identity was being imitated, especially that the Twitter user had a case of harassing her and BamBam on social media before. The said troll account insulted her as well. She dug into the account and found Lése-Majesté content that she could use against the user.
Lése-Majesté is a law under Section 112, which is defined as a crime following the Thai criminal code disrespecting the sovereign power.
"Whoever defames, insult or threaten the King, the Queen, the Heir-apparent or the Regent, shall be punished with imprisonment of three to fifteen years."
This law is considered as an extreme punishment for high treason.
Basically this “law” in Thailand limits your freedom of speech, which you cannot talk badly about the Royal Family. If you do, you can faced 3-15 years of jail time and possibly much worse circumstances. Some claim, such as physical abuse or threat #ถือเป็นโอกาสที่ดีของแม่ — gin⁷ (@tae_rrible)
While it's understandable that BamBam's mother has the right to feel offended and protect her identity, netizens can't understand why she had to file the violation of Section 112 instead of filing a regular harassment lawsuit.
But for now, let me just say that it's absolutely shocking that a woman with a wealthy and successful son would be so petty and vindictive as to weaponize a draconian law like lese majeste just to get revenge on someone for trolling her on twitter. /End #ถือเป็นโอกาสที่ดีของแม่ — James Buchanan จิมมี่ (@JBuchananBKK)
Later on, it was said that Mama B tried to sue the account for defamation, but it was "rejected," leading her to sue the user with the law. Netizens, especially Thais, are claiming that this will not only affect and drag her son's name during the trial but she is also ruining someone's life because the punishment is extremely harsh.
This law is clearly purpose for claim anybody who disrespected royalty of Thailand but nowsaday is only use for different opinion to leadership in anywhere anytime. well sad but true.. — อีซอนักด่า ft. (@godmakmakehere) April 3, 2020
According to a Thai fan, a person who has been involved to Lése-Majesté which they called "112," will face "no mercy."
This case should not be taken lightly as the topic is sensitive in Thailand. Fans are also pleading other netizens to refrain from dragging BamBam to his mother's controversy.
