DES fights fake news about border dispute
DES Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong said new measures were in place to combat fake news and information operations (IO) following a high-level meeting of the Committee for Monitoring and Analysing Social Media News.
Speaking at Government House, Mr Prasert said the ministry held discussions with major social media platforms on Tuesday to seek cooperation in detecting and removing false information and IO-related accounts.
The platforms responded positively, and several important agreements were reached.
The meeting agreed to prioritise fake news related to unrest along Thailand's border regions and deploy AI technology to detect and block fake news across all channels.
The participants also agreed to increase manpower to enforce anti-fake news measures, and refer IO cases or psychological operation content to the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) for notification and takedown via platform coordination.
They also agreed to strengthen online identity verification, especially requiring companies to be verified for ad placements -- some of which is already underway.
The committee also approved a rapid-response protocol. Once fake news is detected and verified, factual corrections must be disseminated to the public within three hours.
Since 2019, the ministry has logged 1.1 billion suspected pieces of fake news for review and analysis. However, with improved technology, the government's capacity to detect and act on such disinformation has increased significantly.
The DES Ministry and the Public Relations Department will coordinate closely to launch timely communication and conduct continuous monitoring, the minister said.
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has been assigned to investigate service providers involved in IO activities and report to the committee.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Bangkok Post
17 minutes ago
- Bangkok Post
Thai authorities gear up to help evacuees return home
Thai authorities are preparing to help thousands of evacuees return home in the coming days as tensions along the border with Cambodia ease. Surin governor Chamnan Chuentha said on Friday that the situation in most areas along the border had stabilised following the General Border Committee (GBC) meetings in Kuala Lumpur, where the two countries signed a 13-point ceasefire agreement on Thursday. Transport is being arranged in coordination with shelters and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, with the first phase prioritising bedridden patients and those in need of special care. The return process is expected to take two to three days, said Mr Chamnan. According to the governor, conditions in Sangkha district have fully returned to normal, while Kap Choeng, once a flashpoint, is also calm. Minor damage in parts of Prasat district of the province is being repaired. In Phanom Dong Rak, most areas are safe, except Ta Miang and Bak Dai subdistricts, where the military remains on high alert. Mr Chamnan said he hopes the state of emergency will be lifted soon so that rehabilitation can begin. He also urged the government to provide urgent income support for farmers whose livelihoods have been disrupted. In neighbouring Buri Ram, governor Chaiwat Chuntirapong has not yet authorised a full return, especially for vulnerable groups, pending confirmation from the 2nd Army Region. This comes despite the ceasefire agreement. Many residents, however, have already begun returning on their own. In Ban Kruat district, which was heavily hit, more than 240 artillery and rocket impacts were recorded. Most unexploded shells have been disabled, but some remain. Deputy Defence Minister Natthaphon Nakphanich said he had asked the acting prime minister Phumtham Wechayachai to assign police and village security teams to protect evacuees' property. He warned residents not to return prematurely due to the danger of unexploded ordnance, and has authorised local authorities to decide on returns without having to wait for central government approval. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Health is also providing mental health support for Border Patrol Police officers, who have reported high stress levels. It is also monitoring environmental hazards in the conflict zones. At least 3,000 sets of N95 masks and basic medicines are being distributed to frontline staff and residents, while water sources are being inspected to prevent disease outbreaks. Mr Phumtham is scheduled to visit Si Sa Ket on Saturday with Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa to inspect damage at key sites and meet evacuees. Mr Phumtham stressed that his visit should not burden the military, which is currently focused on its duties. He said he would also visit the crowded evacuation centres to observe conditions. Although the government has not yet issued a blanket order for people to return, he has instructed the 2nd Army Region to coordinate with the four provincial governors to determine when the residents can safely return home. Meanwhile, a cabinet committee will visit 12 shelters in Surin, Si Sa Ket, Buri Ram and Ubon Ratchathani on Saturday and Sunday to assess damage for a second round of aid covering homes, farms and livestock, according to government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub.
Bangkok Post
39 minutes ago
- Bangkok Post
Hun Sen stripped of Thai honorary degree
Ramkhamhaeng University has revoked an honorary doctorate awarded to former Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen for taking 'violent actions against Thais'. The university council on Friday voted unanimously to revoke the honorary degree in political science it awarded in 2001. The original citation praised Hun Sen's role in promoting peace and fraternity between the two nations. However, the council stated that Hun Sen's recent conduct directly contradicts those values. He has supported and encouraged the use of severe, inhumane armed force against Thai civilians during the recent border conflict, it said. He was also accused of backing actions that violated Thailand's sovereignty, sparking armed clashes along the shared border. The council emphasised that allowing Hun Sen to retain the honour could mislead the public regarding the purpose of awarding such degrees. It concluded that the only way to nullify the original citation was to revoke the award entirely. The revocation is effective immediately.
Bangkok Post
an hour ago
- Bangkok Post
Robinhood's ‘RBH4HERO' Turns Food Orders into Donations
Bangkok, August 8, 2025 — Robinhood, Thailand's leading food delivery application, has launched its latest corporate social responsibility campaign, RBH4HERO, enabling customers to support the families of Thai soldiers who lost their lives during the border clashes with Cambodia. The initiative transforms every food order into a meaningful contribution. From 31 July to 31 August 2025, for every order placed using the promotional code RBH4HERO, Robinhood will donate 10 baht to programmes supporting the families of these national heroes. The donation is fully funded by the company, allowing customers to participate at no extra cost. 'The sacrifices made by our soldiers in the line of duty must never be forgotten,' said [Name, Title], spokesperson for Robinhood. 'The RBH4HERO campaign is our way of expressing deep gratitude to those who fell during the conflict with Cambodia. It is our duty to stand with the families they left behind. This initiative allows our customers to join us in honouring their memory and providing tangible support to their loved ones.' The campaign is designed to be simple and accessible for all Robinhood users. The RBH4HERO code can be applied to any food order, as often as customers wish, throughout the campaign period. How to participate: Open the Robinhood application and select your desired food items. At checkout, enter the promotional code RBH4HERO. Complete your order – Robinhood will then donate 10 baht. This initiative underscores Robinhood's mission to create a positive impact beyond its business operations, fostering a spirit of generosity and collective care in the community.
