Vietnam and Thailand team up to tackle fake news

ASEAN journalists' associations should create a group in which they are informed about fake news to prevent unexpected consequences, said Le Quoc Minh, chairman of the Vietnam Journalists Association, said on August 12.

At the meeting between the Vietnamese and Thai journalists' associations, Minh, also the Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan (the People) newspaper, said that fake news is not only a national concern, but a significant issue for the region and the world.

“There needs to be a connection, sharing of accurate, fast and interesting information between the two countries,” he said. "When fake news is abundant, the public once again seeks information from legitimate journalism."

Overview of the meeting between the Vietnamese and Thailand journalists' associations.

According to Minh, with the boom of technology, audiences and readers now shift to social media platforms, and the increasing presence of modern electronic devices exerts considerable pressure on traditional media agencies. Such a trend poses a significant challenge to the position of mainstream media. It must be acknowledged that younger audiences are more engaged with social media than traditional channels.

"Vietnamese journalism is undergoing a digital transformation. Although these are just the initial steps, we can take pride in the significant strides made by many Vietnamese media agencies," he said.

There are effective practices in countries considered slower in media development that can serve as valuable lessons for more advanced nations to consider, including Vietnam, Minh added.

"Success is not solely reserved for financially robust media organizations. Even small players, when invested correctly, can achieve significant results, even being a source of inspiration for others," he said.

Le Quoc Minh, Chairman of the Vietnam Journalists Association (right) and Norrinee Ruangnoo, Chairwoman of the Thailand Journalists' Association.

As an official member of the ASEAN Journalists Federation, Vietnam and Thailand must maintain and enhance collaborative activities such as organizing joint meetings and improving the quality of public communications, thus contributing to building a peaceful, stable, and developed ASEAN, Minh said.

The Vietnamese official said that connections must be strengthened in all fields among ASEAN member states and between ASEAN and the world so that regional journalists can understand the trends and foster their relationships.

Anucha Charoenpo, Vice Chairman in charge of international affairs of the Thai Journalists Association, said that he enjoys learning from Vietnamese colleagues.

Addressing fake news as a pressing issue worldwide, he urged both sides to collaborate to enhance credible information sources, limit fake news, and improve journalists' professional capabilities.

“Journalists need to be precise and meticulous in their reporting, verifying information and combining expert opinions into their writings,” he added.

Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two parties on cooperative agreement.

According to Anucha, Thai journalists now receive Vietnamese classes, and those with high scores have been sent to Vietnam for internships. As language training requires financial resources, he hoped that the two associations would boost their collaboration in the future and that more Vietnamese journalists would learn Thai and come to work in Thailand.

Chavarong Limpattamapanee, President of the National Press Council of Thailand cum Senior Advisor of the Thai Journalists Association, said he is impressed with the hosting of the international press seminar “Digital Newsroom Management: Theory, Practice, Experience in the ASEAN Region” in Vietnam last year.

The seminar, hosted by the Vietnam Journalists Association, was a great success, and valuable experiences and lessons were shared by Vietnamese media agencies and those from other countries in the region, he said.

He was also impressed by the livestreaming operation performed by the Vietnamese local media agency Tuyen Quang Newspaper. Chavarong mentioned a business trip to Cambodia and Laos.

He expected to work with the Vietnam Journalists Association to further support and enhance journalism activities in Laos and Cambodia and elevate ASEAN journalism.

Norrinee Ruangnoo, Chairwoman of the Thailand Journalists' Association, delivers a gift to the Vietnamese official Le Quoc Minh.

At the meeting, Vietnamese official Minh highlighted the Vietnam Journalists Association as the exclusive organization for Vietnamese journalists, with over 25,000 members. Over 74 years, it has united journalists, enhanced their skills, and shaped press development nationally and internationally.

On the 48th anniversary of Vietnam-Thailand diplomatic relations (August 6, 1976 – August 6, 2024), both nations should enhance direct ties, share technical support, and exchange modern journalism practices, he said.

The Vietnam Journalists Association aims for active collaboration with Thai counterparts to deepen mutual understanding and implement cooperation agreements effectively, he added.

Chi Vu - Huy Anh