"Performers, organisers and hirers of pornographic shows will be punished," National Police deputy commissioner General Wongkot Maneerin said yesterday. Offenders would face a fine of up to Bt500, if convicted.

Wongkot spoke after a complaint was lodged with the Culture Ministry's monitoring centre over performers from a mor lam sing troupe, who allegedly took their clothes off during a show, staged at a religious rite in Samut Songkhram.

Mor lam sing is an Isaan-style performance with fast-step dancing, and a modern version of the slower mor lam.

"Those involved will face legal action," Wongkot warned.

In response to allegations that local police officers in Samut Songkhram were bribed to turn a blind eye to the sexually-arousing performance, Wongkot said an investigation was being held.

"If the allegations are proven, the punishment could be dismissal from the service," he said.

Wongkot said he had ordered police stations across the country to draw up a list of people who organise or perform in such shows so that police could check on their performances. "If they are found staging the pornographic shows, arrests will be made," he said.

Wongkot said a subcommittee on illegal-media planned to set up three units to comprehensively suppress illegal activities.

"There will be monitoring, legal and investigation units," he said.

The subcommittee would meet today, and Wongkot said he would attend.

Meanwhile, national artist Chaweewan Pantu - known as the "Mor Lam Queen" - urged the Culture Ministry to take action against improper performances by mor lam troupes.

"I have heard that some dancers of these groups offer sex services too," she said.

Ratreesawas Ounthaya, regarded as the originator of mor lam sing, called on the authorities to punish those who exploited the art.