YouTube troublemaker fined for viral ping pong ball ‘bomb’ prank (VIDEO)

Screenshot: Jack Papho
Screenshot: Jack Papho

Bangkok YouTube star Jack Papho was let off the hook after paying a small fine on Sunday, for a viral video that showed him lighting fake ping pong ball “bombs” and tossing them at strangers (and one very cute dog) on the streets.

The 25-year-old Papho, whose real name is Jaturong Papho, spent Mother’s Day at Khlong Ha police station after his prank video was shared on the Facebook page Drama Addict on Saturday, drawing criticism from netizens.

“This is a prank to see how people will react” he says at the beginning of the clip, which has since garnered more than 300,000 views. “Let’s see how real this fake bomb will appear, as judged by how hilariously or horrifyingly people will react.”

The fake bombs, which look like tiny footballs, don’t explode or even make a sound, but they do produce a fair amount of smoke — definitely enough to make people run for cover.

Pol. Col. Toon Detchkhunmak, commander of the Khlong Ha police, told local outlet Sanook that legal action has been taken to fine Jaturong THB500 (US$15) for public disturbance and annoyance.

In a broadcast interview today, Jaturong apologized to his 100,000 YouTube followers and other fed-up netizens, explaining that he never thought his action were illegal or would be considered bullying.

He said he simply wanted to have fun, entertain people, and bring smiles to his viewers.

Regarding his future on YouTube, Jaturong said he will “keep making videos but will make sure to be more considerate to others.”

Jaturong followed a long list of the millennial “internet stars” who have had recent brushes with the law in their bids for internet fame. Just two weeks ago, 10 young Thais were fined for staging a mass shooting prank. In June, four other teens were fined and disciplined for creating a general commotion all over Bangkok that, naturally, they broadcast on social media.

Last year, American expat Nate Bartling, aka My Mate Nate, was detained by immigration, on charges of railway trespassing, after he flattened coins using an oncoming train for a YouTube video.


Related:

10 young men fined for staging mass-shooting prank

Jackass-wannabes: Four teens are creating commotion all over Bangkok in attempt to gain virality

My Mate Nate detained by immigration after facing trespassing charge



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