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dispersal of the protest. When some protesters moved to Chulalongkorn
University, news began to appear on social media on the youth liberation
page: “Do not enter Chula. Chula is a closed area. Not safe. There might
be a siege!” (The page was later deleted.) Other rumors circulated on
social media, including the use of rubber bullets to disperse those seeking
shelter inside Chulalongkorn University, as well as the use of real bullets.
These rumors caused a significant panic and uproar in the online world.
At least two students from inside Chulalongkorn University came out
to confirm that these stories were not true. Another piece of fake news
widely discussed on social media was a video clip showing an ambulance
being blocked by the police from passing through the area. The message
spread that a mother and child who were inside the ambulance died,
generating a great deal of discussion and speculation.
From the spread of fake news during the dispersal of the October 16,
2020 demonstration, it is evident that the situation during demonstrations
can be susceptible to distorted and incorrect information. Chaotic
situations often give rise to such misinformation, especially when people
seek information but cannot access it through person-to-person channels,
and the media is unable to comprehensively report on the situation.
This may occur due to technical issues, insufficient manpower in the
area, or organizational policies. For instance, during protest movements
or during the dispersal of demonstrations, confrontations with officials
may take place like the case on October 16, 2020. On that day, it was