On 28 August 2024, Mr. Nikorndej Balankura, Director-General of the Department of Information, welcomed Mr. Hideaki Ishii, Director of Public Diplomacy Strategy Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, and delegation, who came to Thailand to participate in a workshop on “Thailand-Japan Exchange of Knowledge and Experience on Countering Disinformation and Misinformation”. On this occasion, both sides shared information and experiences in addressing disinformation and misinformation, particularly on how it impacts foreign affairs and security. Moreover, a panel discussion on this issue was held where over 40 participants, including the Japanese delegation and representatives from government agencies, civil society and the media, attended and discussed how to counter fake news in the digital age and explored opportunities for collaboration in this area. 

On the following day, the Japanese delegation had the opportunity to visit the Anti-Fake News Center Thailand, under the stewardship of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, and was briefed on relevant statistics and the Center’s activities since its inception in 2019. 

The aforesaid workshop is an initiative of the Department of Information. Upon the completion of this workshop, both sides agreed to regularize and institutionalize these discussions, as well as to establish a direct channel of communication, to exchange further knowledge and experience on countering disinformation and misinformation in our current dynamic information and geopolitical landscape.