Thai party criticized for text messages

BANGKOK, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- The ruling Democrat Party in Thailand potentially violated mobile telephone users' right to privacy by sending out a mass text message, a foundation says.

An official with the Foundation of Consumers said the group is concerned that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva authorized a text message that urged Thai residents to support the country's new government, The Bangkok Post reported Wednesday.

Mobile phone users throughout the country received a text message from the minister that allowed them to respond with their postal codes for a fee of nearly nine cents.

"I am Abhisit Vejjajiva. Thank you very much, and I will get back to you," the responding message tells those who send back their code.

Foundation Secretary-General Saree Aongsomwang said there have been an unspecified number of complaints regarding the text message.

Staff with the ruling political party told the Post the text message plan was aimed at helping the prime minister determine what portions of the country were prepared to offer the government assistance.