Latest news with #NetiWongkulab
Bangkok Post
03-07-2025
- Bangkok Post
Concern grows regarding AI-generated scam threat
Experts have raised serious concerns over the growing threat of AI-generated scams and misinformation, calling for stronger protection measures, particularly for children and the elderly. A recent Thai PBS forum titled "Verify Talk: #ThisFeedNoFake" brought together cybercrime officials, academics and media experts to address the surge in digital deception in an increasingly AI-driven world. The panel underscored the sophisticated tactics scammers now use to exploit human vulnerability, with particular emphasis on the emotional triggers of fear, love and urgency. Pol Col Neti Wongkulab, deputy commander of the CCIB, warned that call-centre scams now operate like businesses. "If you receive calls demanding payment or threats, hang up immediately and report the call," he said. In 2024 alone, scam calls and messages surged by more than 100%, with scammers often impersonating delivery workers or family members, according to data from the Whoscall verification service. Criminologist Trin Poraksa noted that these scams are designed to manipulate emotional responses. "What is seen on the screen might not be the real people you know in real life," he cautioned. The discussion then turned to AI-generated deepfakes, which are becoming harder to detect. Kanokporn Prasitphon, director of Thai PBS Digital Media, described them as "a silent AI threat destroying information credibility". She warned that deepfakes often feature subtle signs such as robotic voices or unnatural blinking, but fake documents are becoming so convincing that even experts struggle to verify them. To counter these threats, speakers emphasised the importance of media literacy and open family dialogue. Nattawut Photisaro, a media literacy advocate, urged the public not to believe or share content without verification. He stressed the role of real-time fact-checking tools in helping people make informed decisions.
Bangkok Post
30-06-2025
- Health
- Bangkok Post
Fighting Health Misinformation in the Digital Age
The National Vaccine Institute (NVI), in collaboration with the Vaccine for the People Foundation and partner agencies, launched a special forum titled 'Misinformation Spreads Faster Than Disease – Check Before You Click, Think Before You Share' to raise public awareness about vaccine safety and digital media literacy. The event featured a panel discussion with medical, law enforcement, and communication experts aiming to build immunity against online fake news and promote responsible digital behaviour. Held on 26 June 2025 at the Thailand Healthcare 2025 event hosted by the Matichon Group at Samyan Mitrtown, the exhibition and forum encouraged critical thinking in the digital space while providing accurate information on vaccines. The initiative underscores NVI's commitment to fostering informed media consumption and strengthening public trust in science and health communication. Panel speakers included Pol. Col. Neti Wongkulab, Deputy Commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division, Central Investigation Bureau (CIB); Lt. Col. Dr. Atthasit Dul-amnuay, forensic medicine specialist at Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital; Dr. Songkiat Udompornwattana, senior paediatrician at Buddhachinaraj Hospital and founder of the Facebook page Infectious ง่ายนิดเดียว (Infectious Made Easy); Mr Peerapon Anutarasoat, Fact-Checker and Manager at Sure And Share Centre, Thai News Agency, MCOT; Assoc. Dean Dr. Warat Karuchit from the Faculty of Planning and Development at NIDA; and Dr. Nakorn Premsri, Director of NVI. The session was moderated by Ms Savika Kanchanamas. Speakers addressed a range of issues, from health misinformation and distorted online content to exaggerated dietary supplement claims. Pol. Col. Neti urged the public to avoid becoming victims or accomplices in spreading fake news, reminding attendees that distributing false information is punishable under the Computer Crime Act with up to five years in prison or a fine of 100,000 baht. Offences can be reported via hotline 1111 (press 87). Lt. Col. Dr. Atthasit warned that health-related misinformation is more dangerous than a pandemic. He advised verifying any death-related claims with reliable sources such as hospitals or official agencies and reaffirmed that vaccines are the only medication that benefits both individuals and society. Dr. Songkiat highlighted the speed at which misinformation spreads and likened vaccines to the body's soldiers, emphasising the rigorous development process they undergo. Mr Peerapon categorised health misinformation into advice and warnings, urging the public to be wary of overly dramatic claims and to verify before sharing. Dr. Nakorn discussed how vaccine misinformation contributes to public hesitancy, especially among high-risk groups, and warned that sharing unverified claims may carry legal consequences. Assoc. Dean Dr. Warat concluded by addressing misleading supplement advertisements, noting their ethical implications and potential risks to life and public health. The forum ultimately called for collective vigilance, encouraging the public to question content, verify sources, and act responsibly when engaging with health information online.
