The Catholic Church in Thailand marked World Communications Day on August 3 with a renewed call for truth, gentleness, and ethical responsibility in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital disinformation.
As reported by the Sunday Examiner, the celebration began with a solemn Mass presided over by Bishop Silvio Siripong Charatsri of Ratchaburi at the Cathedral of the Nativity of Our Lady in Bang Nok Khwaek, western Thailand. The liturgy was attended by clergy, religious, media professionals, and lay communicators from across the country.
In his homily, Bishop Silvio explained the significance of the occasion, “World Communications Day is normally celebrated on the Sunday before Pentecost, as instituted by Pope Paul VI in 1967 following the Second Vatican Council. However, for pastoral reasons, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand (CBCT) observes it on the first Sunday of August.”
This year’s theme, chosen by the late Pope Francis, was, “Speak with the heart: Veritatem facientes in caritate, Sharing the truth in love.” The Thai bishops’ conference adapted it locally as: “Share with gentleness the hope that is in your hearts.”
Following the Mass, a forum on ethical communication explored the rising dangers of AI-generated content and fake news. The discussion focused particularly on false narratives and manipulated media related to the Thailand–Cambodiaborder tensions, the Sunday Examiner reported.
“AI tools are being used to create realistic yet false images and news, which are then spread widely to provoke emotions and discredit the country,” said a panelist from the CBCT Office of Social Communication. “When lies are mixed with fragments of truth, it becomes difficult to discern reality. This weakens trust and fosters online hostility.”
Examples of digitally manipulated videos, doctored photos, and fabricated headlines were presented during the session. Panelists traced some of the sources to groups outside Thailand, warning that such content represents a new form of digital propaganda that poses a threat to peace and societal harmony.
Fr. Joseph Anucha Chaiyadej, Executive Director of the CBCT’s Episcopal Commission for Social Communications, emphasized the enduring message of Pope Francis, “He reminded us again and again that aggressive and violent communication leads to division and emotional manipulation. Gentleness, he said, is not weakness, but strength under control.”
The discussion also referenced remarks made by Pope Leo XIV, who succeeded Pope Francis. In his first address to journalists on May 12, the new pope said, “We must say ‘no’ to the war of words and images... Let us disarm communication of prejudice, resentment, and hatred. Let us disarm words, and we will help disarm the world.”
He added, “Communication is not just the transmission of information, it creates culture and forms both human and digital environments. These spaces must foster dialogue and truth-seeking, not division.”
The event concluded with a concert featuring popular Thai Christian musicians, performing gospel-themed songs to inspire peace, hope, and reflection among attendees.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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