Bangkok: A spokesperson for the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has stated that politicians are the key to determining the fate of national security, as evidenced by the recent clashes on the Thai-Cambodian border. The RTAF has also faced numerous cyber threats, while the media has insisted that the nation still needs its military and is ready to provide assistance by presenting truthful news and combating fake news from Cambodia.
According to Thai News Agency, at 3:00 PM on September 23, 2015, at the Aswin Hotel, Air Chief Marshal Praphas Sonjaidee, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Royal Thai Air Force and Air Force spokesman, along with Air Chief Marshal Boonlert Andara, Director of the Air Force Aerospace Science and Technology Research and Development Center, and military media representatives, including Mr. Chuchai Kaewkao of Khaosod News, Mr. Suwit Mingmon of MCOT, and Mr. Supharik Thongchairit, administrator of the “Pood Pood Khao” Facebook page, participated in a discussion on “The Role of the Media in Crisis Communication for Security.”
Air Chief Marshal Boonlert stated that regarding the security sector’s perspective on the recent situation between Thailand and Cambodia, he viewed the situation from a news-watching perspective as a test of the cooperation of all organizations within the country. He explained that Thailand has enjoyed a long history of peace and has not faced major threats to its sovereign borders. This situation tests the cooperation among all sectors involved in security, including the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, and the government.
Regarding military cooperation during this situation, Air Chief Marshal Boonlert emphasized that national security is a collective responsibility involving all agencies and dimensions. He stressed the importance of transparency in public media, which should provide prompt, consistent, and timely information to keep pace with rival countries and opposing strategies.
Air Chief Marshal Prapas highlighted that conflicts do not occur immediately but arise at multiple levels. He emphasized the crucial role politicians play in determining policy and addressing security issues. He stated that conflicts cannot be resolved solely through military force and emphasized the importance of providing truthful information.
The Air Force has faced numerous cyber threats, with Cambodian pages and websites attempting to steal information. However, the RTAF’s back-end systems have been able to intercept these threats.
Mr. Suwit from MCOT pointed out the challenges in the current media landscape, where the shift between ethics and ratings can lead to blind spots. He emphasized the need for official and timely facts, which depend on how security forces manage information dissemination. He suggested that during sensitive national security situations, security sectors should engage editors in discussions to ensure responsible reporting.
Air Chief Marshal Prapas added that crisis communication involves training and preparation, particularly in security matters. He mentioned that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the government spokesperson should act as central points for operations during international conflicts to avoid gaps in information dissemination.
Mr. Chuchai, a military reporter, emphasized the importance of fast and accurate news in today’s world. He explained that during crisis situations, reporting must be as accurate and correct as possible due to its relation to national security. He highlighted the challenges reporters face, such as little sleep and continuous work, to ensure accurate reporting.
Air Chief Marshal Boonlert stressed the need for adherence to facts and speed in crisis situations, emphasizing the ethical obligation to report accurately. He warned against the spread of false news internationally, particularly through influencers.
Mr. Suphakit concluded that the Air Force’s information is factually correct and serves as a positive example of the military’s unified and concrete policy. He affirmed the necessity of maintaining the military as a primary focus to support the nation, regardless of the government in power.