Fighting Health Misinformation in the Digital Age
Held on 26 June 2025 at the Thailand Healthcare 2025 event hosted by the Matichon Group at Samyan Mitrtown, the exhibition and forum encouraged critical thinking in the digital space while providing accurate information on vaccines. The initiative underscores NVI's commitment to fostering informed media consumption and strengthening public trust in science and health communication.
Panel speakers included Pol. Col. Neti Wongkulab, Deputy Commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division, Central Investigation Bureau (CIB); Lt. Col. Dr. Atthasit Dul-amnuay, forensic medicine specialist at Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital; Dr. Songkiat Udompornwattana, senior paediatrician at Buddhachinaraj Hospital and founder of the Facebook page Infectious ง่ายนิดเดียว (Infectious Made Easy); Mr Peerapon Anutarasoat, Fact-Checker and Manager at Sure And Share Centre, Thai News Agency, MCOT; Assoc. Dean Dr. Warat Karuchit from the Faculty of Planning and Development at NIDA; and Dr. Nakorn Premsri, Director of NVI. The session was moderated by Ms Savika Kanchanamas.
Speakers addressed a range of issues, from health misinformation and distorted online content to exaggerated dietary supplement claims. Pol. Col. Neti urged the public to avoid becoming victims or accomplices in spreading fake news, reminding attendees that distributing false information is punishable under the Computer Crime Act with up to five years in prison or a fine of 100,000 baht. Offences can be reported via hotline 1111 (press 87).
Lt. Col. Dr. Atthasit warned that health-related misinformation is more dangerous than a pandemic. He advised verifying any death-related claims with reliable sources such as hospitals or official agencies and reaffirmed that vaccines are the only medication that benefits both individuals and society.
Dr. Songkiat highlighted the speed at which misinformation spreads and likened vaccines to the body's soldiers, emphasising the rigorous development process they undergo. Mr Peerapon categorised health misinformation into advice and warnings, urging the public to be wary of overly dramatic claims and to verify before sharing.
Dr. Nakorn discussed how vaccine misinformation contributes to public hesitancy, especially among high-risk groups, and warned that sharing unverified claims may carry legal consequences. Assoc. Dean Dr. Warat concluded by addressing misleading supplement advertisements, noting their ethical implications and potential risks to life and public health.
The forum ultimately called for collective vigilance, encouraging the public to question content, verify sources, and act responsibly when engaging with health information online.
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