Military dismisses claims of engaging in "Internet Operations" online campaigns.
Fresh Take:
The Royal Thai Army squashed rumors about engaging in online military-style info-warfare, insisting they only clear up misinformation on social media. Maj Gen Winthai Suwaree made this statement during a House Committee gathering discussing government use of social media.
Attendees from various agencies, including the Office of Policy and Planning, Internal Security Operations Command, and Royal Thai Police, were present to discuss the allegations against them regarding info-warfare. Known as "coordinated inauthentic behavior," these operations have been around since the coup era and were previously caught and taken down by Facebook.
Despite the arrival of a civilian-led government, People's Party deputy leader and committee chair, Rangsiman Rome, alleged these operations have only grown more aggressive. He contended that the state's use of info-warfare doesn't just aim at opposition parties but also government insiders.
Rangsiman emphasized that it's unacceptable to spend taxpayer money on spreading false news or online hate speech, as this could lead to more division among people and contradict the military's mission of national unity. He warned that domestic use of info-warfare undermines national security by alienating certain citizens, making it harder for the country to tackle real threats like drug trafficking.
In response, Maj Gen Winthai assured the committee that the army doesn't partake in the type of info-warfare people have accused them of. He clarified that while "coordinated inauthentic behavior" is a term often associated with military contexts, the Thai army uses open online communication channels for factual corrections and public comprehension.
He stated that if content is found to be false or inappropriate, legal measures such as the Computer Crime Act or defamation laws can be used to address the issue. Notably, influential figures like politicians or academics may be monitored due to their impact.
Insight: Although the military denies conducting military-style online info-warfare, opposition figures contend these tactics persist and have increased under the current civilian-led government. Critics argue this use of resources for spreading false news or hate speech leads to societal division and contradicts efforts to promote unity.
Other key concerns involve the alleged targeting of both opposition groups and government dissenters, as well as the military's justification of domestic info-warfare in certain situations.
- Despite the transition to a civilian-led government, the People's Party deputy leader, Rangsiman Rome, has especially criticized the continued escalation of alleged military-style information warfare in general-news and politics, including crime and justice.
- Interestingly, Rangsiman Rome contends that this form of 'coordinated inauthentic behavior' is not only directed at opposition parties but also government insiders, even amidst the civilian government regime.
- Furthermore, Rangsiman emphasized that misinformation and online hate speech, if sponsored by the state, could potentially divide Thai citizens and jeopardize national security, for instance, by making it harder to tackle real threats such as drug trafficking.
- Despite denying involvement in military-style online info-warfare, the Islamic community has raised concerns over the continued use of such tactics in Thai society, impacting national unity and societal harmony.
