Military rejects allegations of conducting online influence operations
Freestylin' with Facts: The Army and Social Media
The Royal Thai Army (RTA) ain't cookin' up no online military-style information-influencing operations (IO), asserts Major General Winthai Suwaree, the army's spokesperson.
He spilled the beans during a sit-down with the House Committee on National Security, Border Affairs, National Strategy and Reform, where representatives from other agencies like the Office of Policy and Planning, Internal Security Operations Command, and Royal Thai Police were also present.
The meeting was about the government's role in social media Keep in mind, though — the army ain't shying away from correctin' misleading information on social media, stated the majordomo.
Politicians like Rangsiman Rome, chairman of the People’s Party, ain't buyin' it. He's been raising concerns about IO since the coup regime of Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, claimin' IO tactics aimed at activists, academics, and politicians were exposed and taken down by Facebook.
Despite expectin' a change under the current civilian-led government, Rangsiman thinks the situation has worsened. Why? Because the army's alleged IO ain't just targetin' the opposition, but also figures within the government itself.
He's goin' against the grain, oppose to spendin' taxpayer dollars on spreadin' fake news or hate speech online, as it creates division among people—clashin' with the military's mission of national unity.
He's clear: IO ain't justified in a domestic setting, as treatin' certain Thai citizens as enemies threatens national security and weakens the country's ability to tackle real threats, like drug traffickin'.
In response, Major General Winthai set the record straight. The RTA isn't conductin' IO like critics claim. He said while "IO" is a military term in global contexts, especially during war times, the RTA uses regular communication tools—with a focus on the web—to correct misinformation and build public understanding, all under the open sun.
If content's found to be inaccurate or inappropriate, they can bust it using legal tools such as the Computer Crime Act or defamation laws. They keep an eye on people with influence, such as politicians and academics, too.
- Despite Major General Winthai Suwaree's assertion that the Royal Thai Army isn't involved in information-influencing operations (IO), politicians like Rangsiman Rome, the chairman of the People’s Party, have expressed skepticism.
- Rangsiman Rome, in particular, has been concerned about IO since the coup regime of Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, alleging that IO tactics aimed at activists, academics, and politicians were exposed and taken down by Facebook.
- Under the current civilian-led government, Rangsiman expects a change, but he believes the situation has worsened, as he claims the army's alleged IO is not just targeting the opposition but also figures within the government itself.
- Rangsiman is adamant that IO is not justified in a domestic setting, as treating certain Thai citizens as enemies threatens national security and weakens the country's ability to tackle real threats, such as crime and justice issues like drug trafficking.
