Bangkok Battles Fake News: AI-Powered Center Leads 300-Agency Fight
Thailand is escalating its battle against the pervasive spread of fake news, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) in its latest efforts to protect citizens from online scams and misinformation. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES), spearheaded by Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, is leading this initiative, building on its Anti-Fake News Center (AFNC), established in November 2019. The MDES is forging robust partnerships across public, private, and civil society sectors.
Minister Jantararuangtong recently chaired a workshop on fake news verification and network building at the Centara Life Government Complex Hotel & Convention Centre in Bangkok. He underscored the AFNC’s crucial role in combating the rising tide of online crime-related misinformation, particularly financial scams. The center’s primary objective is to swiftly provide the public with accurate information, acting as a preemptive defense against fraudulent schemes.
This multi-pronged approach involves a collaborative network of over 300 agencies—public and private organizations, civil society groups, and media outlets—facilitating rapid information verification and coordinated responses to emerging threats. The AFNC categorizes fake news into five key areas impacting the public: government policies and national security; illicit goods and services; economic misinformation; natural disaster-related falsehoods; and online crime.
The AFNC utilizes diverse digital platforms to reach the public. Its website, a central hub for debunking misinformation, has garnered nearly 28 million views. The center also maintains a significant social media presence, including a Line official account with approximately 2.8 million followers, a Facebook page with 120,000 followers, and active accounts on X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram. These platforms provide accessible avenues for citizens to stay informed and report suspicious activity.
A strategic partnership with the government’s Pao Tang application (implemented in December 2022) enables the dissemination of timely alerts regarding online scams and fake news directly to users. This initiative reached an average of 23.5 million alerts per month in 2023. Collaborations also extend to 16 Thai banks and media networks, amplifying awareness campaigns. A memorandum of understanding with the Thai Media Fund further reinforces the commitment to media literacy and empowering citizens to discern truth from falsehood.
Looking ahead, Minister Jantararuangtong emphasized AI’s pivotal role in enhancing the verification process. This technology will enable the AFNC to analyze news with greater speed and precision, differentiating authentic information from manipulated content and fabrication. This represents a significant advancement in combating online deception, promising to minimize the financial and emotional toll on victims of online scams. The integration of AI exemplifies Thailand’s proactive approach to addressing the evolving landscape of digital misinformation and its dedication to safeguarding its citizens in the digital age. This proactive investment in online safety ensures Thailand remains at the forefront of combating digital deception.
