Thailand has warned its citizens that April Fool's Day jokes related to coronavirus could be punished by up to five years in prison.


It comes as countries across the globe have told people not to make jokes about COVID-19 on April 1, as they seek to prevent the spread of rumours which could put lives at risk.

'It's against the law to fake having COVID-19 this April Fools' Day,' the Thai government said on Twitter.



Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen took to Facebook to tell people not to prank about the virus, adding that anyone spreading rumours or false information could face up to three years in jail and/or a fine of up to NT$3 million (Ł80,000).

In India, Maharashtra state's cyber security unit said it would take legal action against anyone spreading fake news on April Fools' Day.

Under the heading 'Corona is no joke', Germany's health ministry also urged the public not to make up stories related to the virus.

With people relying on the internet and media for vital information about coronavirus, there are fears that jokes could fan the spread of misinformation.

From drinking cow urine to sleeping by chopped onions, myths about how people can catch and cure COVID-19 are already widely circulating.