Google Pulls the Plug on a Controversial Map Hunt
On Monday, 28 June, Google’s bold lawsuit‑fighter in the browser was called when two My Maps documents were whisked away. The maps in question had scrawled the names, addresses, and even photos of several hundred Thai activists deemed “anti‑monarchy” by royalists.
Who’s the mastermind?
Songklod “Pukem” Chuenchoopol— a 54‑year‑old retired army captain turned right‑wing zealot— along with a squad of 80 volunteers, proudly announced the creation of these offensive atlas‑like lists. Their mission? To track down and report their targets to the police for allegedly insulting the monarchy.
What did the maps contain?
- Nearly 500 names, mostly students drowning in university or high‑school uniforms.
- Addresses that could be used to find them in the flesh.
- Photos icky enough for a “black‑square” censoring because of Thailand’s Article 112— the law that hands off‑hand up to 15 years of prison for insulting the king.
With over 350,000 views, the maps were more popular than any viral meme at the time.
Google’s response
Alphabet’s spokesperson dispatched an email stating, “the issue is now fixed,” and briefly reminded the world that user‑generated My Maps must obey policy rules, “no maps that break our policies will stay up.”
Why do critics fire off a warning?
Google’s elimination was a relief for groups worried that the maps were a doxxing nightmare. Human rights activists and royalist opponents alike urged caution: “Top‑secret addresses for average university kids— you can pretty much walk straight to their door.”
Andrew MacGregor Marshall, a Scotland‑based voice for Thai democratic reform, expressed his concern: “Young Thai people who just want democracy could be in peril.”
Songklod’s verdict
He declared the removal a mere minor setback. “It’s a massive success,” he bragged, claiming the data came from solid public research. He likened his operation to a “psychological warfare” effort—a declaration of war against online criticism of the monarchy.
The broader headline
Since last year’s youth protests lit up streets and tweets, the monarchy’s critics have been at a wild, uncomfortable crossing. The police, stuffy and powerful, might not be the only problem. Instead, tech platforms now have a role in how the people speak.
In short: Google decides not to serve up a map of names that could turn a decent simmer into a boiling petition for democracy. And while the company is out of the picture, the fight for safe and free expression in Thailand has only just begun.
