Economic agency boss raises concern about runaway online media content and fake news

[webfact]

Secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) Danucha Pichayanan raised the issue on Monday. He was commenting on the economy’s performance at the end of 2023. Mr Danucha cited Chinese regulations, including the prohibition of content showcasing unrealistic wealth. He also suggested that the nature of online media in Thailand be redefined.

Thai Economic Council raises the question of social media regulation amidst a fake news surge. In particular, online influencers face scrutiny as concern grows over their economic and societal impact. Is tighter control really necessary?

A top government agency official on Monday hinted at the possibility of enhanced regulation of online media content. The Secretary-general of the government’s top economic body, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), Danucha Pitchayanan referenced Chinese laws which have outlawed content promoting conspicuous consumption when he raised the issue.

 

Mr Danucha suggested that Thai regulations be updated with online media sources redefined legally. This was met by scepticism from key media and advertising industry players who warned against stifling creativity and innovation.

In a statement on Monday, March 4, 2024, Mr Danucha Pitchayanan, Secretary-General of the NESDC, raised questions about Thailand’s social media environment.

 

With the rise of influencers, content production has become a competitive arena. He was concerned that trending content was prioritising engagement over accuracy.

 

by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor

 

Full story: Thai Examiner.com 2024-03-09

 

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[sammieuk1]

Just don't mention anything about fake a fake government being unelected 🤔

[ChrisY1]

How about fake advertising also....junk being sold as quality products here is endless...We Care, being one!

[johng]

There are already enough laws to cover everything  they just need to be applied and enforced consistently.

 

Defamation law certainly needs reform though.

 

The push for "online safety"  is just a smokescreen for more draconian control measures  so they can track and trace ,censor and prosecute unfavourable speech,speech that is true but goes against certain narratives that powerful entities are pushing at any particular time...pre crimes and thought crimes.

[dinsdale]

Thoust shall not criticise Thailand in any way. This will be deemed fake news and liable for prosecution under the Computer Crimes Act.

[JGV]

Do you want censorship of what you say and write - who decides what is fake news the government  - sounds like they only want to hear good news - governments that can take criticism are governments tha are healthy - 1984 George orwell - read it

[hotchilli]

You can post/write/state anything you like, as long as it's in-line with what the country wants to hear...

[zzaa09]

11 hours ago, sammieuk1 said:

Just don't mention anything about fake a fake government being unelected 🤔

Yes......fake and manipulated content only applies to those agitators, activists and rebels who challenge the orthodoxy. 

Never the deep establishment, who are born of everything that is goodness and light. 

[Mavideol]

3 hours ago, hotchilli said:

You can post/write/state anything you like, as long as it's in-line with what the country wants to hear...

and that's called/commonly known as "freedom of expression"  555

[hotchilli]

12 hours ago, Mavideol said:

and that's called/commonly known as "freedom of expression"  555

No... what they want to hear.... if it's not you will probably face a defamation case..

just look at a bad review post in a booking site.