Cyberbullying and online hate speech in Thailand
Ruthaychonnee Sittichai, Ram Herkanaidu · 2023
Thailand has an advanced digital infrastructure, and its population is highly engaged online and actively using services like shopping, gaming and social media. However, there is little data on the effects of being online to a person’s health and well-being. Online safety awareness education is lacking in areas such as cyberbullying, self-harm, hate speech and inappropriate content. There are a few studies that have highlighted the importance of these issues. A 2012 study looked at the coping mechanisms of young adults that had been bullied online. Another, conducted in 2014 looked at the links between online and offline harassment and the role of gender and sexuality. Between 2016 and 2020 in the North-East of Thailand, one study focused on the attitudes and behaviours of young people. All these found a high incidence of cyberbullying, online hate and other negative online interactions. This chapter calls for more research as well as developing evidence-based education programmes and initiatives that will instil digital resilience in Thai young people and promote their well-being.