Environment Ministry Debunks AI-Generated River Photos as Fake
Thailand's Environment Ministry debunked AI-generated images circulating on social media that falsely depicted the Pasak River as severely polluted with black water and white foam. Officials confirmed the July 25 Facebook post contained art
Environment Minister Takes Action Against Fake AI Images of Polluted River
On July 28, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin revealed that he has been closely monitoring environmental news on social media. The ministry discovered a Facebook page called "Oronong Haeohaen" that posted messages and images claiming the Pasak River was pitch black with white foam covering the surface, describing residents of Saraburi province as fed up with repeated industrial wastewater discharge. The post, made on July 25, demanded accountability.
After investigation, officials confirmed that the images and content were artificially generated using AI and did not reflect actual conditions. The minister ordered the Pollution Control Department to urgently verify facts, clarify information to the public, and monitor the situation closely. He stressed that all government agencies must communicate information transparently, as the ministry is ready to listen to all complaints and work to resolve environmental issues for the benefit of the people.
Dr. Surin Worakitdhammrung, director-general of the Pollution Control Department, stated that the department continuously monitors and tracks environmental quality in Saraburi province and regularly releases environmental test results to the public. Regional environmental offices have been instructed to closely monitor social media reports to investigate complaints and identify false or misleading content that could cause public confusion or panic.
Regarding this particular case, the Region 7 Office of Environmental Quality and Pollution Control in Saraburi, working with relevant agencies, conducted field inspections and found no evidence of the reported incident. Officials confirmed the accompanying images were AI-generated, which could lead to public misunderstanding about the actual environmental situation. The department urges media and citizens to verify facts before sharing or spreading information to prevent social confusion. Anyone witnessing potential environmental or public health incidents can report tips to the Pollution Control Department hotline at 1650 or message the department's Facebook page for prompt field investigation and remedial action.