Fake news is often intentionally used as a weapon to cause panic, hatred or defamation. Thailand has witnessed the dangers of disinformation during disaster crises, the Thai-Cambodian conflict and the recent general election. Media outlets and fact-checking agencies play a vital role to distinguish facts from distorted claims and foster media literacy. However, present-day technologies undeniably allow fake news to travel faster than verification.
The Focus Group Discussion held by MASTEL and BBC Media Action on March 12, 2026 (Photo: Facebook Masyarakat Telematika Indonesia)
Consequently, the Indonesian Telematics Society (MASTEL), in collaboration with BBC Media Action, held a Focus Group Discussion titled “Strengthening Information Integrity to Address Disinformation in Southeast Asia” on March 12, 2026. The discussion aimed to seek perspectives from media stakeholders, both public and private, and explore the possibility of creating regional journalism and verification network.
A screenshot of host, organizers and participants from MASTEL’s online discussion.
During the Focus Group Discussion, participants pointed out that social media platforms, artificial intelligence and algorithms help disinformation spread more easily. Funding issues, a lack of human capacity and restrictions on media in certain territories also hinder the work of journalists and fact-checkers. Therefore, media in ASEAN must exchange knowledge, draft coherent policies and develop an interconnected regional fact-checking network to safeguard truth and public interest in Southeast Asia.
Representatives later shared thoughts on solidifying the information ecosystem in Southeast Asia. Proposed ideas for regional cooperation include professional trainings, strategy designs, AI-powered interconnected newsroom/platform and open-source data. In addition, ASEAN countries should conduct collective negotiations with Big Tech companies to improve content filtering on social media platforms.
Thai PBS Digital Media Director Ms. Kanokporn Prasitphon (file)
Thai PBS also attended the Focus Group Discussion. Ms. Kanokporn Prasitphon, Thai PBS Digital Media Director, highlighted Thai PBS Verify (formed in 2024) as one of the organization’s most concrete actions to combat mis/disinformation. Ms. Kanokporn also talked about duties beyond fact-checking: for example, encouraging media literacy activities for youth, supporting news verification partnership among various sectors and drafting standardized policies. She suggested regional campaigns and award ceremonies as another strategy to raise awareness and set new standards for fact-checking.
Ms. Kanokporn Prasitphon while presenting ideas to the participants
For his contribution, Mr. Peerachai Pasutan, a Thai PBS Verify representative, shaed creative fact-checking methods, noting that the unit’s work extends beyond text articles to formats like vertical videos, which attract significant audience attention. Regardless of the format, he emphasized the utmost importance of facts, impartiality and editorial standards for the process.
The aforementioned Focus Group discussion was the crucial step toward a more structured ASEAN regional cooperation on fact-checking. Thai PBS remains committed to help protect facts and collaborate with local and international agencies via Thai PBS Verify.
