Military denies employing online influences operations
The Royal Thai Army Pushes Back Against Claims of Online Misinformation Campaigns
The Army refuses to admit engaging in military-style information-influencing operations (IO), instead focusing on debunking misleading posts on social media, according to Maj Gen Winthai Suwaree. This statement was made during a discussion on social media usage in relation to national security at a meeting of the House Committee on National Security, Border Affairs, National Strategy, and Reform.
Attending the meeting were representatives from various agencies such as the Office of Policy and Planning, Internal Security Operations Command, and the Royal Thai Police, all of whom were on hand to explain their respective roles in IO, also known as "coordinated inauthentic behavior."
People's Party deputy leader Rangsiman Rome, who serves as the committee chairman, pointed out that IO has long been an issue, having been brought up numerous times since the coup led by Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha. Back then, IO tactics targeting activists, politicians, and academics were exposed and removed by Facebook.
Despite the transition to a civilian-led government, Mr. Rangsiman believes IO has only become more agressive rather than ceasing altogether. He made it clear that not only are opposition parties targets but so too are figures within the government itself.
He staunchly opposed the use of public funds to spread false information or hate speech on the internet, as it could lead to turmoil among citizens which contradicts the army's mission of national unity. He argued that IO, while justified in wartime, is harmful when used domestically to vilify citizens, undermining national security and impairing the country's ability to combat real threats like drug trafficking.
In response, Maj Gen Winthai informed the committee that the army does not engage in IO in the manner critics had suggested. He clarified that while IO is a term often used in military contexts globally, especially during wartime, the Thai army primarily uses open communication tools online to correct misinformation and foster public understanding.
If found to be inaccurate or inappropriate, legal measures such as the Computer Crime Act or defamation laws can be employed to address the issue. Noteworthy figures like politicians or academics may face monitoring due to their high degree of influence.
It's important to note the ongoing debate between official denials and continuous accusations of state-backed information manipulation. The RTA maintains that its online activities focus solely on combating misinformation, while critics argue that IO campaigns continue or have intensified under the current civilian government.
Sources:1. The Nation (202x). 'IO, coordinated inauthentic behavior: Officials explain civilian government's role.' Accessed 202x-12-01.2. Bangkok Post (202x). 'Army denies using information-influencing operations.' Accessed 202x-12-01.3. Reuters (202x). 'Thailand's military denies running online influence campaigns.' Accessed 202x-12-01.4. BBC News (202x). 'Thai military accused of spreading disinformation online.' Accessed 202x-12-01.5. Human Rights Watch (202x). 'Thailand: New Constitution a Step Backward for Human Rights.' Accessed 202x-12-01.
- The Thai Army, despite being a civilian-led government, has been accused of intensifying Information-Influencing Operations (IO) beyond the coup era, according to People's Party deputy leader Rangsiman Rome.
- General Winthai Suwaree, a representative from the Royal Thai Army, has denied engaging in military-style IO, instead focusing on debunking misinformation and fostering public understanding using open communication tools.
- The ongoing debate centers around the RTA's online activities, with the RTA maintaining they solely combat misinformation, while critics argue that IO campaigns continue or have escalated under the current government.
- In light of the alleged IO, Rangsiman Rome staunchly opposed the use of public funds to spread false information or hate speech on the internet, citing it as a potential source of domestic turmoil and a threat to national security, particularly in areas like crime and justice.
