Sondhi Limthongkul: Principal Explains the Psychology of Fake News!

Sondhi Limthongkul: Principal Explains the Psychology of Fake News!

The storm surrounding fake news in Thailand shows how quickly things can make or break. Rector Dr. recently apologized. Suwinai Phornwilai at Sondhi Limthongkul for spreading false news. This more than sensitive matter revolves around the claim that Sondhi changed his mind and expressed sympathy for Thaksin Shinawatra. Dr. Suwinai openly admitted that he had not adequately verified the information and raised important questions about accountability in political communication. Sondhi confirmed in a TikTok video that the news about his alleged change of heart was not true. These missteps in information dissemination were sharply criticized.

Dr. Suwinai, in a post on Facebook, provides a fascinating insight into the psychology of people who tend to believe information that appeals to their emotions. At a time when the political landscape in Thailand is more polarized than ever before, he describes the dynamics of “fire changes,” meaning that political enemy images do not necessarily remain, but can change without questioning the underlying emotions. “We live in a post-truth era,” he aptly observes, warning against hasty conclusions.

Political psychology of reversal

On October 6, 2023, Dr. Suwinai the significant changes in the attitude of Sondhi Limthongkul, the former leader of the Costumed Warriors of Dharma. Sondhi, who was once vehemently opposed to Thaksin, is now in the process of turning around, which he sees as a sign of insight and age-wise wisdom. Instead of continuing down the path of hate, he now shows understanding for the positions of his former political enemy.

This development can be seen as part of a larger process in Thai society, where over the past two decades citizens have often been trapped in polarized political beliefs. Dr. Suwinai observes that many people go through a kind of exhaustion of their ideologies. In this complex and often painful political landscape, the need for understanding and compassion is becoming increasingly clear. Many strive to leave extreme positions behind to make room for a more neutral perspective.

Fight against fake news

The challenges surrounding fake news are not new. In fact, an Anti-Fake News Center was launched in Thailand in 2019. The government treated fake news not just as an annoying phenomenon but as a serious threat to public safety. Since the 2006 military coup, laws have been passed criminalizing the spread of false information. But this is exactly where the dilemma begins: These regulations are often politically abused to restrict critics and opposition voices.

New anti-fake news regulations approved in February 2022 include the establishment of agencies in each provincial administration. However, the process of identifying fake news is often perceived as one-sided and politically motivated. Opposition members and activists have felt that they are in the crosshairs of legal measures, while forces close to the regime are getting away scot-free. Such unequal treatment could significantly undermine public trust in mechanisms to combat disinformation.

In such a reality, the question remains: what happens next? Dr. Suwinai makes a strong case for a sustained return to more neutral views and reflects on the dynamics that shape Thailand's political ideology. The political landscape may be tumultuous, but in the midst of these storms we also see sparks of understanding and insight.

It is crucial for the citizens of Thailand to confront these questions of fake news and political upheaval in order to overcome social divisions and enable a dialogue characterized by empathy.

You can find more information on this topic in the reports from Mgr Online, Line Today and ISEAS Perspective.