The editor of Citylife Chiang Mai has apologised to the provincial governor after he threatened her with criminal charges for posting on Facebook a student's painting of ancient kings wearing pollution masks.
Citylife Chiang Mai magazine had sought to draw attention to the region's sometimes dangerously unhealthy air pollution caused by crop burning and traffic.
The magazine on Friday posted a letter signed by Chiang Mai Gov Pavin Chamniprasart recommending police charge the publication with being disrespectful to the kings and endangering tourism. Editor Pim Kemasingki could be imprisoned up to five years if convicted under the Computer Crime Act, which has several broad provisions, including criminal penalties for undermining national security and entering false information into computer systems.
“To present the image of having a mask placed on the three kings is a blasphemous act, disrespectful, and affects the hearts of the people of Chiang Mai,” said the letter, which stated that publishing the images violated the Computer Crime Act. “It also affects the image of Chiang Mai which would affect tourism and lead to unstable economics in the province of Chiang Mai,” it said.
Ms Pim said Monday she had sought only to raise awareness of the health issue and had called the governor personally to apologise.
The provincial government has been criticised for not being more active in addressing the seasonal haze.
The governor did not respond Monday to requests seeking comment. His secretary stated he was attending meetings all day about the smog.
The controversy also caused the magazine to cancel an anti-pollution rally it had planned for last Friday.
The painting was made by a 12th grade high school student.
Ms Pim said she appreciated the painting because she also paints herself. “I'm also an artist, I paint, and I saw this as a piece of art. I apologise to everyone if I didn't think it through properly, but I meant no harm.”
