Bangkok is grappling with a dual crisis of disinformation and online fraud that has cost the Thai economy an estimated 60 billion Thai Baht (US$1.7 billion) in 2024 alone. As millions of citizens fall victim to sophisticated scams, a national seminar held on Wednesday for International Fact-Checking Day 2025 underscored the urgent need to reclaim information integrity and bolster media literacy to mitigate further economic and social damage.

Rising Tide of Fraud and Disinformation

The scale of the problem is staggering. According to a recent report by the Royal Thai Police (RTP), over 400,000 online fraud cases were recorded in the first quarter of 2024, contributing to the massive financial losses. Thai citizens faced an unprecedented 38 million fraudulent phone calls and 130 million deceptive SMS messages last year, marking a five-year high in such activities. These scams, often involving impersonation of authorities or enticing financial offers, have eroded public trust and inflicted severe economic harm.

Supinya Klangnarong, co-founder of Cofact Thailand, a key organizer of the seminar, highlighted the broader implications during the event. “This level of fraud not only undermines public trust but also inflicts severe economic harm” she stated, emphasizing the need for immediate action. Cofact Thailand, in partnership with the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) and 11 media organizations, is spearheading efforts to combat this growing threat through public awareness and verification initiatives.

The Battle for Truth

The International Fact-Checking Day 2025 seminar, themed “The Battle for Truth: Reclaiming Information Integrity in the Age of Distrust,” brought together a coalition of 20 partner organizations to address the rampant spread of disinformation. Hosted in Bangkok, the event served as a platform to discuss the evolving nature of false information—from its historical roots in the telegraph era to its modern manifestations fueled by artificial intelligence.

Experts at the seminar warned that the rapid, borderless dissemination of fake news poses a significant threat to both social stability and economic well-being. Benjamaporn Limpisathian, deputy manager of ThaiHealth, noted that distorted information spreads faster than ever in the digital age, amplifying its destructive potential. She urged for collaborative efforts to build resilience against such threats, pointing to the intersection of public health and information integrity as a critical area of focus.

Assoc Prof Dr Preeda Akarachantachote, Dean of the Faculty of Communication Arts at Chulalongkorn University, echoed these concerns, stressing the importance of responsible information sharing. He argued that citizens must be equipped with the tools to discern credible sources from deceptive ones, a skill increasingly vital in an era where misinformation can have tangible economic consequences.

Innovative Responses to a Growing Threat

In response to the crisis, Cofact Thailand and its partners are rolling out several initiatives aimed at curbing disinformation. One notable campaign, “Donate Fake News,” encourages the public to submit questionable content for analysis and verification. By crowdsourcing suspicious information, the platform aims to identify and debunk false narratives before they cause widespread harm. Additionally, awards for journalists and content creators who prioritize fact-checking were promoted during the seminar, incentivizing accuracy in media production.

The Cofact platform itself, accessible via cofact.org or through Line OA at @Cofact, was highlighted as a critical resource for the public. Organizers urged Thai citizens to verify information before sharing it online, a simple yet effective step toward creating a safer digital environment. These efforts are seen as essential not only for individual protection but also for safeguarding the nation’s economy from further losses due to fraud.

The financial toll of online scams—60 billion Thai Baht (US$1.7 billion) in 2024—underscores the urgency of these initiatives. Small businesses, individual investors, and everyday citizens have borne the brunt of these losses, with many falling prey to scams promising quick returns or posing as legitimate institutions. Beyond the economic damage, the social fabric of Thai society is also at risk, as trust in digital communication channels erodes.

The seminar’s discussions revealed a broader concern: if left unchecked, disinformation could exacerbate existing inequalities. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with limited digital literacy, are disproportionately affected by online fraud. Addressing this requires not only technological solutions but also widespread education campaigns to empower all segments of society.

Global Context and Local Challenges

Thailand’s struggle with disinformation is not unique; it mirrors a global trend where digital platforms have become battlegrounds for truth. However, the local context—marked by a rapidly digitizing economy and high mobile phone penetration—amplifies the impact of online fraud. With millions of Thais relying on digital transactions for daily needs, the potential for economic disruption is immense.

Comparisons were drawn during the seminar to other Southeast Asian nations facing similar challenges. In countries like Indonesia and the Philippines, online scams have also surged, often orchestrated by transnational crime networks. Yet, Thailand’s response, with its emphasis on public-private partnerships and media literacy, could serve as a model for the region if successful.

One area of concern raised by attendees was the role of artificial intelligence in perpetuating disinformation. AI-generated content, including deepfakes and automated scam messages, has made it harder to distinguish fact from fiction. Experts at the seminar called for adaptive strategies to counter these evolving threats, suggesting that regulatory frameworks may need to keep pace with technological advancements.

Public and Policy Responses

Public sentiment, as reflected in discussions on platforms like X, shows growing frustration with the prevalence of online scams. Many Thai netizens express concern over the government’s perceived slow response to the crisis, though initiatives like the RTP’s crackdown on fraud networks have garnered some support. Balancing enforcement with education remains a challenge, as punitive measures alone cannot address the root causes of disinformation.

Policy recommendations from the seminar included stronger collaboration between government agencies, tech companies, and civil society. Some experts advocated for stricter regulations on digital platforms to curb the spread of deceptive content, while others emphasized the need for international cooperation to tackle cross-border fraud networks. These suggestions, if implemented, could provide a multi-pronged approach to a problem that defies simple solutions.

Looking Ahead

As Thailand navigates this disinformation crisis, the outcomes of initiatives like those promoted at the International Fact-Checking Day 2025 seminar will be closely watched. The economic stakes are high, with billions of baht and the trust of millions hanging in the balance. Beyond the numbers, the battle for truth is also a fight for social cohesion in an increasingly connected yet fragmented world.

For now, the message from Bangkok is clear: verifying information is not just a personal responsibility but a collective necessity. Whether through platforms like Cofact or broader societal shifts toward media literacy, the hope is that Thailand can stem the tide of fraud and rebuild trust in the digital age. As these efforts unfold, one question lingers—will they be enough to outpace the ever-evolving tactics of disinformation?