Thai Ministry Refutes Claims That ‘Mae Nak’ Legend Originated from Cambodia

A government watchdog has identified significant levels of misinformation circulating online, with nearly two-thirds of Thailand’s most viral stories confirmed as false, according to recent monitoring data.

On February 18, the Anti-Fake News Centre (AFNC) screened over 164,000 digital messages across various platforms, flagging more than 5,100 items that required formal verification. The vast majority of these suspicious contents were identified through sophisticated “Social Listening” technology designed to track potential misinformation.

Analysis of the day’s eight most widely shared stories revealed that five contained false information. Among the debunked claims was a viral story related to Mae Nak, a figure from Thai folklore. Other false narratives included a fabricated report about Russia proposing to construct a border wall for Thailand and a fraudulent webpage posing as the Department of Land Transport offering driving licenses through unofficial channels.

The Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry, which oversees the AFNC, confirmed that not all viral content was misleading. Among the verified true stories was an announcement that Thailand’s Cabinet had approved carbon credits as tradable assets in the Thai capital market—a significant development for the country’s environmental finance sector. Officials also confirmed that neighboring Laos has formally submitted “Larb,” a popular Southeast Asian meat salad, for consideration as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Wetang Phuangsup, a spokesperson for the AFNC, emphasized the growing concern over the spread of misinformation in Thailand. “The volume of false information continues to increase, particularly around government services, investment opportunities, and cultural matters,” Phuangsup said. “These fabrications can have serious consequences for public trust and economic stability.”

The rise in digital misinformation comes as Thailand experiences increased internet penetration rates, with approximately 77 percent of the population now online according to recent data from the National Statistical Office. Social media platforms have become primary news sources for many Thais, creating fertile ground for the rapid spread of unverified information.

Government officials have noted that false information typically falls into several categories: financial scams promising quick returns, fake government announcements about benefits or regulatory changes, and culturally divisive content designed to provoke social tension.

The DES Ministry has issued strong warnings about the potential consequences of sharing unverified information. Beyond the immediate risk of financial loss for individuals who fall victim to scams, officials point to broader concerns about personal data theft and social disruption that can result from widespread misinformation campaigns.

“When people share false information, even with good intentions, they become unwitting participants in potentially harmful activities,” explained a senior ministry official who requested anonymity. “We’ve seen instances where a single fabricated government announcement has led thousands to waste time and resources pursuing non-existent benefits.”

The government has emphasized that citizens should verify information through official government channels before sharing content online. This includes checking ministry websites, verified social media accounts, and official government publications.

For those encountering suspicious information, the AFNC has established multiple reporting channels. Citizens can report potentially false information via the dedicated 1111 hotline (extension 87) or through the official Anti-Fake News Centre website, where specialists review submissions.

Thailand’s efforts mirror similar initiatives across Southeast Asia, where governments are increasingly establishing dedicated units to combat digital misinformation. Neighboring Malaysia and Singapore have implemented similar monitoring systems, though critics have occasionally raised concerns about potential overreach in determining what constitutes “fake news.”

Media literacy experts suggest that while government verification services provide valuable resources, developing critical digital literacy among citizens remains the most sustainable long-term solution to combating misinformation in increasingly connected societies.