Thai - Cambodia Conflict Thailand Targets Fake News on Border Conflict

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

In a robust move to tackle fake news surrounding the Thai-Cambodian border conflict, Thailand's Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry has joined forces with key social media platforms. The goal is ambitious: to detect and address misinformation within three hours of its emergence.

 

DES Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong announced the initiative following discussions with major tech companies at Government House. These talks centred on strategies to combat the rampant spread of false information and coordinated information operations (IOs) impacting border region narratives.

 

Since 2019, the ministry has flagged approximately 1.1 billion potential fake news items for review. With enhancements in technology, the ability to promptly identify and act on these threats has improved markedly.

 

"The platforms have responded positively, agreeing to prioritise the identification and removal of false content, especially those causing unrest along our borders," Mr Prasert stated.

 

A key component of this strategy involves deploying advanced AI technology. This will assist in the rapid detection and blocking of misinformation across all social media channels. The agreement also saw a commitment to beef up manpower dedicated to enforcing these measures.

 

An essential part of the plan is a three-hour corrective protocol. Once misinformation is verified, factual updates will be disseminated swiftly to ensure the public receives accurate information. This rapid response is crucial to curbing the spread of disinformation.

 

The Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) will handle notifications and coordinate takedowns of IO-related content. Additionally, there's a focus on enhancing online identity verification, ensuring that only verified companies can place advertisements—a process already underway.

 

The DES Ministry will collaborate with the Public Relations Department to maintain effective communication and continuous monitoring. The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) will investigate service providers found facilitating IO activities, with findings reported back to the committee.

 

The proactive approach by Thailand underscores a broader trend of nations striving to safeguard information integrity, especially in volatile regions. By tightening their grip on fake news, the DES Ministry aims to foster a more informed and secure public space.

 

As the digital landscape evolves, these measures highlight the importance of technology in securing truthful discourse. With significant resources allocated towards this initiative, the Thai government is determined to stay ahead of misinformation threats.

 

The cross-platform cooperation marks a pivotal step and sets a precedent for global collaboration against digital deceit. As Thailand strengthens its defences, other nations may look to its model as a blueprint for managing the complexities of fake news in our connected age.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-08-08

 

[Artisi]

Trust that includes their own false news - you can guarantee it's not all kosher. 

[ukrules]

Is the conflict still ongoing?

I am kind of planning to go back to Phnom Penh with the Mrs some time in October to make sure I don't stay more than 180 days and right now the Mrs is not so keen on the idea....

[chawbdurian]

So just what are these social media platforms the ministry of truth has joined forces with? The only one I can think of is Pantip.