Report The Royal Thai Army Denies Conducting Online Information-Influencing Operations

[snoop1130]

File photo for reference only

 

The Royal Thai Army (RTA) has officially denied engaging in online military-style information-influencing operations, instead asserting that it focuses on correcting misleading information with factual content. This statement was made during a recent House Committee on National Security meeting.

 

The session brought together representatives from the Office of Policy and Planning, Internal Security Operations Command, and the Royal Thai Police (RTP) to address concerns about the state's alleged use of coordinated inauthentic behaviour online.

 

Rangsiman Rome, deputy leader of the People’s Party and chairman of the committee, voiced concerns over long-standing issues related to information operations (IO). He noted that such practices have been reported since the coup led by General Prayut Chan-o-cha, pointing out that Facebook had removed several operations targeting activists, academics, and politicians.

 

Rangsiman criticised the misuse of taxpayer funds to propagate fake news and hate speech, arguing that such actions could sow division rather than promote the military’s mission of national unity. He recognised that IO might be justified in international conflicts but condemned its use against Thai citizens, as it undermines national security and detracts from addressing genuine issues like drug trafficking.

 

In response, Major General Winthai Suvaree stated that the Thai army does not participate in IO as criticised. While acknowledging that IO is a global military concept, especially pertinent during wartime, he emphasised that the RTA employs standard communication strategies aimed at public education and the correction of misinformation, ensuring these activities are conducted transparently.

 

He highlighted that legal frameworks such as the Computer Crime Act and defamation laws are in place to deal with inaccurate or inappropriate content online. Furthermore, Major General Winthai noted that monitoring standards apply to individuals in influential positions, such as politicians and academics, due to their potential impact on public discourse.

 

This exchange underscores ongoing concerns about the balance between national security measures and the preservation of civil liberties within Thailand's digital landscape.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-02

 

 

[Will B Good]

Does no one in Thailand take a step back and question what the hell are the Army doing, even being involved in this type of activity?

 

"public education and the correction of misinformation".....WT.....?

[KannikaP]

Here's me thinking that IO meant Immigration Officer and not ''ínformation operations'. Silly me.

[JimHuaHin]

If I remember correctly, a special "unit" was established under the Prayut Junta to do "... military-style information-influencing operations ...".

[BangkokReady]

15 hours ago, Will B Good said:

Does no one in Thailand take a step back and question what the hell are the Army doing, even being involved in this type of activity?

 

"public education and the correction of misinformation".....WT.....?

 

Who's going to question it?  Isn't the army the tool of the ruling elite?

 

Even the people questioning what the army is doing are in fact totally happy with them being tasked with "promoting national unity".

[klauskunkel]

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Internal Security Operations Command

anything involving ISOC is circumspect...

[roquefort]

21 hours ago, Will B Good said:

Does no one in Thailand take a step back and question what the hell are the Army doing, even being involved in this type of activity?

 

"public education and the correction of misinformation".....WT.....?

No different from the tricks the British army gets up to.

 

https://bigbrotherwatch.org.uk/press-releases/defence-secretary-admits-77th-brigade-tasked-to-uk-disinformation/

[chondan]

It is dangerous to tell the truth in Thailand.  Just mention facts about Thai history and you will be targeted.