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As part of its ongoing commitment to safeguarding the digital landscape and promoting technological advancement, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE) held its 8th meeting of the Technology Crime Prevention and Suppression Committee for 2024.
Chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Prasert Chantarawongthong, the meeting brought together key figures including Professor Emeritus Wisit Wisitsora-at, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, and Wetangk Phuangsap, Deputy Permanent Secretary, alongside ministry executives and representatives from relevant agencies.
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society plays a crucial role in shaping the nation’s digital future by proposing and implementing policies, national plans, and laws that promote the secure use of digital technologies. This includes digital development, statistics, and meteorology, ensuring that both the economy and society benefit from technological progress. A key focus is to build confidence among citizens in the safety of digital environments.
The Ministry’s primary responsibility includes the development, management, and supervision of Thailand’s communication and telecommunications infrastructure. This infrastructure serves as the backbone for economic growth and social development.
By promoting digital technology and innovation, the DE fosters research and development, and nurtures a new generation of digital human resources. These efforts are designed to increase Thailand’s competitiveness on the global stage while improving the quality of life for its citizens.
A significant part of the DE’s strategy involves improving the efficiency of government operations by integrating digital technology across multiple agencies. By linking information systems, the Ministry aims to streamline services and enhance decision-making processes through accurate and timely data.
Additionally, the DE manages the national statistical system and works to improve meteorological services, making them more responsive to public needs and ensuring national preparedness for weather-related events.
One of the Ministry’s most pressing challenges is the battle against misinformation which poses significant risks to social stability and public trust. In a concerted effort to mitigate these risks, the DE operates the Anti-Fake News Center, tasked with monitoring and addressing the spread of fake news.
Between September 13-19 this year, the centre tracked 844,660 messages, of which 256 were flagged for further verification. The bulk of these reports stemmed from social media monitoring tools, followed by reports from the public via Line Official.
Fake news in Thailand falls into five primary categories: government policies, social order, and national security; health products and illegal goods; natural disasters; the economy; and online crime. In recent weeks, misleading reports regarding the cancellation of the 10,000 baht digital wallet giveaway and exaggerated warnings about a severe influenza outbreak garnered significant attention.
These claims, however, were swiftly debunked by the Ministry, which clarified that the digital wallet programme is moving forward as planned and that the influenza news was sensationalised.
Mr. Wetangk Phuangsap, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the DE and spokesperson for the Ministry, stressed the importance of public vigilance in combating misinformation. Sharing unverified news can lead to confusion, widespread misunderstanding, and even panic, all of which have a damaging effect on society. The Ministry urges citizens to verify the accuracy of any news before sharing it, especially on sensitive issues related to national policy, health, and public safety.
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society’s multi-faceted approach to ensuring a safe digital environment underscores Thailand’s commitment to harnessing technology for the public good.
By fostering trust in digital systems, promoting innovation, and combatting misinformation, the DE is laying the foundation for a resilient and secure digital ecosystem that will support the nation’s long-term economic and social development. As technology continues to evolve, Thailand’s proactive measures will ensure its citizens remain safe and connected in an increasingly digital world.
