The camp brought together 15 teams from 15 high schools, selected from a pool of 86 teams across 55 schools nationwide. Over the course of three days and two nights, they participated in fact-checking training, combining theory and hands-on practice led by expert instructors from diverse fields. The program opened pathways for the youth to become full-fledged fact-checkers.
Starting with the basics, then leveling up as truth hunters—ready to craft safe and smart content.
On Day 1, the 15 youth teams began their journey into the world of news investigation through theoretical learning by participating in two workshops:
Verify Sandbox offered a simulated newsroom experience designed to build professional-level media literacy. Participants learned principles of journalism with Khanit Boonyapanich, Executive Editor of Investigative News at Thai PBS.
Shoot Smart: Master Every Shot with Just One Phone focused on mobile photography and shot breakdown techniques.
After the workshops, participants headed into the field with Kunlapat Chunkailas, Producer at Thai PBS World.
Mr. Khanit Boonyapanich, Executive Editor of Investigative News at Thai PBS
Mr. Kunlapat Chunkailas, Producer at Thai PBS World
In the afternoon, participants visited the Parliament for an on-site learning experience and joined the activity “The Parliament Fact Quest.” They had the honor of interviewing Ice – Rakchanok Srinork, Member of Parliament for Bangkok District 28 from the Prachachon Party, in an exclusive session on the topic of fake news. The interview offered students an opportunity to practice questioning techniques, identify key issues, and capture supporting visuals for media production—laying a strong foundation for essential fact-checking skills.
Ms. Rakchanok Srinork, Member of Parliament from the Prachachon Party, posed for a photo with all 15 youth teams.
Day 2 – Shaping Storytellers
The day began with a theoretical session on identifying different types of fake news through the workshop Fake Hunter: The Misinformation Tracker, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wilaiwan Jongwilaikasaem from the Faculty of Journalism, Thammasat University. She shared insights into various categories of fake news commonly encountered today, including the following:
- Unintentional Fake News (Misinformation): False information shared without the intent to cause harm.
- Intentional Fake News (Disinformation): False information deliberately spread to mislead or cause harm, often resulting in public confusion.
- Harmful Fake News Targeting Individuals (Malinformation): A mix of false and true information shared with the intent to damage a person’s reputation or cause personal harm
The session continued by Pornsuree Thianboonlert, TikTok Content Operations – SEA Publisher Partnership, who shared strategies for creating safe and creative content on TikTok. Under the theme “Be Aware, Respond, Block – Building a Safe Space for Your Feed,” she introduced practical techniques to help participants produce engaging content while avoiding fake news and distorted trends. These included pre-screening information before creating content, using TikTok’s features to tell story responsibly, maintaining credibility as a media creator, and showcasing examples of content that promote positive social awareness.
Pornsuree Thianboonlert, TikTok Content Operations – SEA Publisher Partnership
The skill-building continued with one of the day’s highlights—an inspiring session with renowned content creator Sila Peerawatthuek, owner of the channel “TikTok Wizard” and TikTok Expert 2025. He energized the youth participants by sharing his journey as a content creator who transformed follower counts into income. With laughter and smiles throughout the class, the session sparked ideas on how to craft engaging content using just a smartphone, including how AI can support storytelling and how to edit clips that captivate audiences.
Sila Peerawatthuek, owner of the channel “TikTok Wizard” and TikTok Expert 2025
In the afternoon, participants took part in the “Factcheck Lab: The Real News Workshop,” a hands-on session designed to boost media literacy through professional verification tools. The session was led by Thanapon Raomanachai, Media Consultant, to introduce practical techniques for fact-checking using tools such as Google Lens for verifying images, Google Maps for tracing location, and advanced Google search commands—known as Search Operators—to refine search results. The workshop gave youth participants firsthand experience in verifying information and empowered them to develop professional fact-checking skills.
Thanapon Raomanachai, Media Consultant
Day 2 wrapped up with “Edit Express: Fast Cuts That Hook Viewers,” a training session led by Kunlapat Chunkailas, Producer at Thai PBS World. From his direct experience in visual and audio editing, he shared practical techniques to help youth participants create concise, engaging clips. The session equipped them with essential skills for producing short-form videos to showcase their final projects.
Mr. Kunlapat Chunkailas, Producer at Thai PBS World
The camp concluded with a powerful finale with a short video project showcase. They are ready to become Fact-checker seeds in their schools and communities.
On the final day of the Thai PBS Verify Youth Camp: Shaping Critical Thinkers to Combat Fake News – Gen 1, the morning began with a reflective session titled “Two Days at Camp: Lessons Beyond Knowledge,” led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wilaiwan Jongwilaikasaem from the Faculty of Journalism, Thammasat University. Then came the mission “From Students to the Next Generation of Fact-checkers.” Each team was challenged to produce a short video based on their role as undercover reporters in the activity “The Parliament Fact Quest.” This simulation encouraged them to apply the skills they had gained over the past three days as “Verify Youth Reporters.”
The youth teams presented their final projects to a panel of experts, including Ms. Kultida Samaputti, Editor-in-Chief of COFACT Thailand, Ms. Kanokporn Prasitphon, Director of Digital Media, Thai PBS, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wilaiwan Jongwilaikasaem, Faculty of Journalism, Thammasat University, and Mr. Kunlapat Chunkailas, Producer at Thai PBS World. The panel provided constructive feedback and inspiring comments to help participants further develop their ideas. The selection process was highly competitive—right down to the final moments—and the winning teams in each category were announced as follows:
All four distinguished panelists provided feedback on each team’s short video project.
Fact Hero Award was presented to Team 1 that showcased fact-checking in a clear and accessible storytelling format. The winners composed of youth participants from the following three schools:
Triam Udom Suksa Pattanakarn Pathum Thani School
- Mr. Nattanan Thararam
- Miss Yaowalak Chanyui
- Miss Bawonlak Sandot
Rachineebon School
- Miss Thanruethai Phanthumani
- Miss Thanchanok Suriyasings
- Miss Patchawalai Namkorn
Pothisarnpittayakorn School
- Miss Chama Rattasiri
- Mr. Pawarit Homchit
- Mr. Piyangkoon Thongpichai
Fact Hero Award awarded to Team 1 from Triam Udom Suksa Pattanakarn Pathum Thani School, Rachineebon School, and Pothisarnpittayakorn School
Story Spark Award awarded to Team 2 for outstanding creativity in presenting short video. This team was composed youth participants from the three following schools:
Nawaminthrachinuthit Suankularb Wittayalai Samut Prakan School
- Mr. Tharatip Yodsuk
- Mr. Jirat Choensiri
- Miss Salisa Unwiset
Assumption College Thonburi
- Miss Monsicha Kamonrat
- Mr. Natthakorn Borsai
- Mr. Teepakorn Techawiboonsak
Naluang School
- Mr. Adilan Salaemae
- Miss Pimnaphat Suwannarat
- Miss Aeknaree Phrainatee
Story Spark Award awarded to Team 2 from Nawaminthrachinuthit Suankularb Wittayalai Samut Prakan School, Assumption College Thonburi, and Naluang School
Special Mention Award – Best Opening Sequence awarded to Team 4. This team was composed of youth participants from the three following schools:
Rattanakosin Somphot Bangkhen School
- Mr. Kitipong Nambunma
- Mr. Kriangsak Promwanna
- Mr. Chutipong Suwan
Sangkeetwitthaya Secondary School
- Mr. Suwijak Limpawiboon
- Mr. Teeranat Kittisatto
- Mr. Woraphop Namkaew
Horwang School
- Miss Panita Juanjenkit
- Miss Korrakanit Muangkaew
- Miss Siripimon Jensinsomboon
Special Mention Award – Best Opening Sequence awarded to Team 4 from Rattanakosin Somphot Bangkhen School, Sangkeetwitthaya Secondary School, and Horwang School
Special Mention Award – Best Message Clarity & Advocacy Impact awarded to Team 3. This team was composed of youth participants from the three following schools:
Srinakharinwirot University Demonstration School (Prasarnmit)
- Mr. Thapanon Sodsai-kit
- Mr. Intuwat Intanu
- Mr. Phum Khayankit
Suankularb Wittayalai Rangsit School
- Mr. Phumipat Dandecha
- Mr. Phumipat Niamchan
- Miss Nongnapas Ngamnaet
Matthayom Puranawas School
- Miss Priya Sinlue-nam
- Miss Arada Pancharoen
- Miss Chanoknat Boonlong
Special Mention Award – Message Clarity & Advocacy Impact awarded to Team 3 from Srinakharinwirot University Demonstration School (Prasarnmit), Suankularb Wittayalai Rangsit School, and Matthayom Puranawas School
Special Mention Award – Strong Topical Focus awarded to Team 5. This team was composed of youth participants from the three following schools:
Demonstration School of Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University
- Miss Chuenjai Itsarasena na Ayudhya
- Miss Thitikarn Prasarnchat
- Mr. Apirak Buchawang
Pomnakharachsawatyannon School
- Miss Thanisara Saengthong
- Miss Suphansa Kesaro
- Miss Thida Sapanna
Ban Bangkapi Secondary School
- Mr. Chaiwat Waipanitchakan
- Mr. Kittipong Satho
- Mr. Itthiphon PlienSamut
Special Mention Award – Strong Topical Focus awarded to Team 5 from Demonstration School of Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Pomnakharachsawatyannon School, and Ban Bangkapi Secondary School
Ms. Kanokporn Prasitphon, Director of the Digital Media Department, Thai PBS
Ms. Kanokporn Prasitphon, Director of the Digital Media Department, Thai PBS, stated that:
“After the Thai PBS Verify Youth Camp Gen 1 ended, we witnessed the active participation of a new generation of passionate youth—eager to absorb knowledge and skills despite the limited time. While the final outputs may not be perfect, every single project reflected the learning gained throughout the three-day workshop. The kids did an excellent job.
The purpose of this camp was not to host a competition, but rather to provide hands-on training. The videos produced during the camp were more like experimental drafts. The real work, which has been refined through learning, may be shown later in the short video contest ‘Fact-Checker Gen 1 Showcase’. Each team will return to develop their ideas further, creating short videos that promote awareness and resistance to misinformation. Each workpiece will reflect the potential and determination of the youth participants to become “fact-checkers,0” regardless of age or role. This aligns with the mission of Thai PBS Verify, which serves as a public gateway for verifying fake news, filtering information, and empowering citizens to stay alert and avoid falling victim to scams.
Beyond learning, the camp also revealed the energy, closeness, and friendships formed among participants. These are experiences that simply cannot be replicated in a classroom.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wilaiwan Jongwilaikasaem from the Faculty of Journalism, Thammasat University
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wilaiwan Jongwilaikasaem from the Faculty of Journalism, Thammasat University, concluded that:
“As this camp comes to an end, I hope every participant will continue to develop themselves as seeds of change—ready to grow and expand within their schools and communities. Adopt the mindset of an observer and look closely at your school: What issues do you see? What questions can you ask? And how will you tell the story? Use the tools and insights gained from the training to guide your process. Then return with a short video that is useful, creative, and engaging—one that promotes media literacy and truth awareness. The award of the short video contest will be announced on September 4 at Thai PBS.”
The Camp May Be Over, But the Mission Continues!
15 Youth Teams Unite to Launch “Fact-Checker Gen 1” Projects After completing the 3-day, 2-night Thai PBS Verify Youth Camp Gen 1, all 15 youth teams—now certified with official training certificates—are gearing up for the next challenge. Each team will creatively apply their new skills to produce a vertical short video (1–3 minutes) under the theme: “Promoting Awareness Against Misinformation.” The contest offers a total of 30,000 THB in education grants, along with certificates and commemorative trophies. Winners will be announced on September 4 at Thai PBS.
Contest Criteria – “Fact-Checker Gen 1” Short Video Challenge
The story must be based on a real issue or situation within the team’s own school. All claims must be supported by verifiable sources of information. The video should be designed to communicate clearly and effectively with both youth and the general public.
Five awards and grants will be presented:
- Fact Hero Award
Receives a 10,000 THB prize, trophy, and certificate for a work that excels in all key areas—content quality, factual accuracy, creativity, and communication effectiveness.
- Truth Master Award
Receives a 5,000 THB prize, trophy, and certificate for a work that prioritizes credible source referencing and delivers informative, educational content to viewers.
- Story Spark Award
Receives a 5,000 THB prize, trophy, and certificate for a work that features an engaging and unconventional presentation style, sparks inspiration, or demonstrates creative use of digital tools.
- Impact Story Award
Receives a 5,000 THB prize, trophy, and certificate for a work that emphasizes in-depth, well-rounded news topics with a strong emotional or social impact on viewers.
- Popular Vote Award
Receives a 5,000 THB prize, trophy, and certificate for the entry that receives the highest number of votes on the official website.
Voting closes at midnight on 4 September 2025.
Contest Timeline
- 11–22 August 2025
Youth teams produce vertical short videos (1–3 minutes) under the theme: “Promoting Awareness Against Misinformation.”
- 22 August 2025
Submission deadline: All videos must be submitted to the judging committee.
- 22 August – 4 September 2025
Popular Vote Award voting period.
- The public can vote for their favorite entries at
thaipbs.or.th/VerifyYouthCamp2025 (Voting closes at 5:00 PM on 4 September 2025.
- 4 September 2025
Pitching Day: Final presentations, award announcements, and ceremony held at Convention Hall, 2nd Floor, Building D, Thai PBS Headquarters.
Live-streamed via Thai PBS Verify’s Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and Thai PBS’s Facebook and YouTube channels.
Follow all 15 youth teams and contest updates at www.thaipbs.or.th/VerifyYouthCamp2025
