Bangkok: A recent surge in fake news concerning the Fine Arts Department’s alleged permission to destroy a temple for military purposes has prompted a public warning. The fake report claims that such destruction is permissible because the temple can be renovated, posing a potential threat to Thailand’s international image.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Government Spokesperson Anukul Prueksanusak disclosed that an investigation by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE) identified this misleading information as the most significant fake news story of the week. Another prominent piece of misinformation claimed the arrest of Cambodian spies at Pong Nam Ron beach, Chanthaburi Province, equipped with drones and electronic gear targeting Wing 5. Mr. Anukul emphasized the importance of verifying information before sharing it, to prevent unnecessary panic and misunderstandings.
Mr. Anukul further clarified that the Fine Arts Department, under the Ministry of Culture, strongly refutes any claims of endorsing the destruction of ancient sites for military purposes. He highlighted that the notion of allowing destruction due to the possibility of restoration is fundamentally flawed. The preservation of ancient sites is crucial as they represent the cultural legacy of both the nation and humanity. Even though restoration can bring sites back to near-original conditions, they cannot replace the historical and spiritual essence of the originals. Allowing intentional destruction would not only damage national dignity but also contravene international conservation principles.
Mr. Anukul stressed that despite the department’s ability to restore ancient sites, this does not justify their destruction. Such actions would tarnish the country’s reputation and violate global archaeological standards, which categorically oppose the demolition of historic sites. Ancient sites are deemed the collective heritage of humanity, transcending national ownership. Therefore, restoration potential does not justify any initial harm, he added.