Border Crisis: Experts Call For More Effective Information Management To Combat Fake News

By Tuwaedaniya Meringing and Kenny Teng

BANGKOK, July 27 (Bernama) -- Accurate information management during the Thailand-Cambodia border dispute crisis is crucial to prevent the spread of fake news and speculation that could worsen the current situation. 

Associate Professor Dr. Chaiwat Meesanthan, Director of the Institute of East Asian Studies at Thammasat University, said that false information, especially when spread via social media during a crisis, often sparks tension between the peoples of both countries, further aggravating the situation.

He believes that although access to information on social media should not be restricted, it must be managed carefully.

“Both governments need to provide proactive public information materials to counter false narratives, enhance media literacy among the public, and work with social media platforms to swiftly remove harmful content,” he told Bernama in a recent exclusive interview.

Chaiwat also suggested establishing a fact-checking network through collaboration between the media, non-governmental organisations, and government agencies as the best approach to combat misinformation.

He further emphasised the role of local and international media in delivering information that is neutral, accurate, and timely.

On Friday, Thailand and Cambodia denied reports claiming that Thai military forces had taken control of the Preah Vihear Temple, one of the hotspots in the ongoing border dispute. 

The statement followed viral social media reports quoting Thai military sources alleging that Thai troops had successfully seized Preah Vihear Temple as well as Wat Kaeo Sikha Khiri Svara.

On Saturday, the Thai government urged international media to verify the authenticity of images and information before publishing reports related to the ongoing border tensions. 

It also warned that inaccurate or misleading reports could further escalate the situation and lead to serious misunderstandings at the international level.

Meanwhile, Associate Professor Chokchai Wongtanee from the Institute of Peace Studies at Prince of Songkla University echoed Chaiwat’s views, stressing the importance of building societal resilience against information manipulation.

Chokchai stated that both sides must refrain from using social media to incite hatred or stir anger among their respective populations.

“We cannot completely shut down social media, but instead, we should utilise it as a positive platform to help end the conflict,” he said.

The border dispute between the two neighboring countries escalated following an incident on May 28 and peaked on Thursday, leading to armed clashes along the Cambodia-Thailand border area.

So far, more than 20 lives have been lost on the Thai side, while Cambodian authorities have reported the deaths of five soldiers and eight civilians. 

Thousands of residents have been displaced on both sides of the border.

The two countries have long disagreed over the demarcation of their 817-kilometre shared border, a dispute that has persisted for decades and continues to strain their diplomatic relations.

— BERNAMA