In a world increasingly plagued by misinformation and disinformation, Thailand is stepping up efforts to combat what the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Global Risks Report has identified as one of the “biggest short-term risks” to global stability. At a seminar titled “Collective Efforts to Combat Disinfo 4.0 to Mitigate Global Risks,” held in Bangkok to mark International Safer Internet Day, Thai fact-checking organisations, news outlets, and government bodies reiterated their commitment to fostering a fact-based society amid growing concerns over the societal and political damage caused by false information.
The event, attended by representatives from both governmental and civil society organisations, highlighted the urgent need to address the pervasive spread of misleading content online. Kultida Samabuddhi, editor of the fact-checking body Cofact, underscored the gravity of the issue, noting that misinformation and disinformation threaten societal cohesion by eroding trust and deepening divisions within and between nations. “They are enormous in numbers. They are also sexy – emotionally provoking, enticing us to share them,” she said during her address at the seminar.
A Growing Threat to Societal Trust
The rapid dissemination of false information, often amplified by social media platforms, has become a pressing challenge worldwide. In Thailand, where internet penetration continues to rise, the impact of disinformation is particularly acute. From online scams to politically charged falsehoods, misleading content can linger on the internet for years, causing lasting harm to individuals and communities. Kultida emphasised the critical role of fact-checkers in countering this tide, arguing that their work helps anchor society in verifiable truths. “When asked why we still fact-check some stories, it is because we are declaring that we will not allow any false content to go off the hook, and everyone should prioritise the truth,” she asserted. 
However, the task of fact-checking is neither glamorous nor easy. Unlike the viral spread of sensationalised falsehoods, verifying information demands time, patience, and rigorous effort – qualities that are often undervalued in the fast-paced digital age. Despite these challenges, Thai organisations remain steadfast in their mission to uphold journalistic integrity and protect the public from deception.
Collaborative Efforts to Build Resilience
One of the key initiatives spotlighted at the seminar was the Society for Online News Providers’ Cyber Booster 4.0 project, a collaborative effort involving the Central Investigation Bureau and Thai PBS’s fact-checking arm, Thai PBS Verify. The project aims to promote media literacy among the public, equipping citizens with the tools to critically evaluate information they encounter online. By fostering a culture of discernment, such initiatives seek to mitigate the spread of disinformation at its source – the individual user.
Peerapon Anutarasoat, director of Thai News Agency’s Sure And Share Centre, highlighted the enduring nature of misleading content on the internet and its potential to cause long-term damage. He called for government intervention to develop systems that protect vulnerable individuals from online scams and other forms of false information. Additionally, Peerapon advocated for shared responsibility among stakeholders, suggesting that both public and private entities should be held accountable for mitigating the harm caused by disinformation.
Further support for victims of online fraud was offered by Pornvut Pipatanadejsak, head of policy and innovation at the Thailand Consumer Council. He urged those affected by digital deception to report their experiences to the council, stressing that a higher volume of complaints would enable the organisation to gather critical data and devise more effective solutions. “We encourage complaints. The more there are, the more data we will have to conclude with more credible solutions over the matter,” Pornvut said.
Regional and Global Frameworks
The seminar also drew attention to broader regional efforts to tackle disinformation, such as the ASEAN Guideline on Management of Government Information in Combating Fake News and Disinformation in the Media. This framework, adopted by member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, underscores the importance of coordinated governmental action in addressing the spread of false information across borders. For Thailand, aligning with such regional guidelines could strengthen its domestic initiatives while contributing to a safer digital environment throughout Southeast Asia.
Yet, not all perspectives on fact-checking are uniformly positive. Some critics argue that the practice can be misused to suppress dissenting views or enforce censorship, particularly when aligned with powerful establishment organisations. While no specific evidence was presented at the seminar to substantiate claims of abuse in Thailand, the concern raises important questions about the balance between combating disinformation and protecting freedom of expression. If unchecked, such practices could potentially undermine the very trust that fact-checking seeks to build, a point that warrants careful consideration in future policy discussions.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
As Thailand grapples with the multifaceted challenges posed by disinformation, the path forward requires a delicate balance of education, regulation, and collaboration. Media literacy remains a cornerstone of this effort, empowering individuals to navigate the digital landscape with a critical eye. At the same time, the government and private sector must work together to develop robust mechanisms for identifying and addressing false content without overreaching into the realm of censorship.
The emotional allure of disinformation, as Kultida pointed out, makes it a particularly insidious threat. Stories that provoke strong reactions – whether through fear, anger, or outrage – are far more likely to be shared, perpetuating cycles of misinformation that can destabilise communities. Breaking this cycle demands not only technical solutions but also a cultural shift towards valuing accuracy over sensationalism.
Moreover, the economic dimension of disinformation cannot be overlooked. Online scams, often fuelled by false information, result in significant financial losses for individuals and strain public resources. By establishing clear accountability measures, as suggested by Peerapon, Thailand could create a safer digital ecosystem that protects its citizens from both economic and social harm.
Finding Local Solutions to a Global Problem
While the World Economic Forum’s identification of disinformation as a top global risk underscores the scale of the challenge, Thailand’s response demonstrates the power of localised action. Initiatives like Cyber Booster 4.0 and the work of organisations such as Cofact and Thai PBS Verify illustrate how targeted, community-driven efforts can make a tangible difference in the fight against falsehoods. These projects, grounded in collaboration between government, media, and civil society, offer a blueprint for other nations in the region to follow.
At the same time, the Thai experience highlights the universal nature of the disinformation crisis. No country is immune to the divisive effects of false information, and no single solution can address the problem in its entirety. International cooperation, supported by frameworks like the ASEAN guidelines, will be essential in tackling the cross-border spread of disinformation, particularly as digital platforms continue to transcend national boundaries.
As International Safer Internet Day serves as a reminder of the importance of online security, Thailand’s commitment to combating disinformation sends a powerful message: the fight for truth is a shared responsibility. From fact-checkers painstakingly verifying claims to citizens learning to question what they read, every effort counts in building a more resilient society.
However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. If unaddressed, concerns over potential censorship or misuse of fact-checking could erode public trust in these initiatives. Similarly, without sustained investment in media literacy and protective systems, vulnerable populations will remain at risk of falling prey to online deception. While the long-term impacts of Thailand’s efforts remain to be seen, the determination shown by its fact-checking community offers hope that truth can prevail in an era of digital uncertainty.
In a world where information is both a weapon and a shield, Thailand’s battle against disinformation is a microcosm of a larger global struggle. By prioritising facts over fiction, the country is taking a stand not just for its own future, but for the integrity of public discourse worldwide.
