Pattaya Fights Back Against AI Generated Disinformation Campaign
A shocking image that went viral online seemed to show Pattaya Beach, one of Thailand's most famous tourist spots, buried in trash. The picture, featuring what appeared to be Indian tourists lying amidst the garbage with the iconic "PATTAYA" sign in the background, quickly triggered public anger and concern for Thailand's image. However, city officials have stepped forward to declare the image a complete fake, crafted by artificial intelligence as part of a malicious online campaign.
Mayor Debunks Hoax, Points to AI Disinformation
Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet addressed the controversy directly through the city's official Facebook pages, 'PRPATTAYA' and 'Mayor Beer’s Direct Line'. He confirmed the image is not real and was created using AI tools. The mayor stated the goal was to deliberately spread negative and false stories about Thailand to tarnish the country's reputation.
The Source of the Fake News
Mayor Ngampichet identified the source of the fake image as a YouTube channel named “Carl Reed.” He explained that the channel is allegedly run by a Cambodian national pretending to be a Western foreigner.
This claim was supported by the popular investigative Facebook page CSI LA, which has over 1.4 million followers. CSI LA warned its audience that the “Carl Reed” YouTube channel is a major source of fake news, using AI-generated voices and visuals to create misleading stories about Thailand. They called on the public to report the channel to YouTube for removal.
Public Reaction and The Reality on the Ground
Many Thais expressed their frustration online, wondering how such a misleading channel could operate for months. Some suggested practical solutions, like a 24-hour live stream of Pattaya beach to show its true, clean state.
Locals who know the area well immediately dismissed the image. One commenter who walks on the beach every morning confirmed it was entirely fake, while others pointed to clear signs of AI manipulation. In a touch of local humor, one person noted the image was unrealistic, quipping that people would be engaged in other activities, not “sleeping on the beach like that.”
A Call for Vigilance Against Digital Threats
Officials are using this incident to highlight the growing danger of AI-driven fake news, especially when it targets tourist destinations. They are urging the public to be cautious, to avoid sharing such content, and to report the “Carl Reed” YouTube channel. Protecting Thailand's reputation and its vital tourism sector requires a collective effort to fight back against this kind of digital misinformation.
