The recent shooting down of flying objects, identified and otherwise, over the US and Canada has spurred interest in extra-terrestrial life further afield. Here in Thailand, ufologists have taken to social media and presented evidence of sightings while describing their personal experiences as well as theories about alien lifeforms.
Prominent among local sky-watchers is Navaracha Pinitlokakorn, or Mor Plai, a well-known clairvoyant who shared on Facebook a photo she took in Australia over a decade ago and which she says proves an occurrence of alien visitation.
"Don't think that humans are the only species in the galaxy. They may consider us to be more primitive creatures. Watch documentaries or top-secret files. Be open-minded. Don't be snobbish and self-centred. Don't look down on other people if you haven't yet read all the books in the world. Aliens exist, believe me," she said in her caption.
Her post drew criticism from most social media users, among them science proponents. For instance, Assoc Prof Jessada Denduangboripant, a lecturer at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Science, commented that the purple light she surmised to be of alien origin was the result of lens flare. Nonetheless, on a talk show, Mor Plai said aliens take different forms and inhabit places beyond our knowledge. Some professional media, however, have simply republished her post without citing opposing views or conducting further investigation.
Multiple truths
Asst Prof Pan Chatchaiyan, a lecturer at Ramkhamhaeng University's Faculty of Mass Communication, stressed the process of news framing whereby the media can set the direction of news presentation by choosing content, issues and images to produce an explanation of an event. As a result, they can influence an audience's interpretation of the world by highlighting what people should pay attention to. However, some pick up social media posts, which have news value in terms of human interest while providing a convenient and cheap source of content for news coverage.
"But our responsibility is not just about presenting anything. We should question what we are presenting and educate an audience. Otherwise, we aren't different from influencers," she said.
Pan said, however, the media should avoid making judgements. Interaction between like-minded individuals on social media, for example, followers of unidentified flying objects and naga mythology, can create an echo chamber that filters out opposing views. Still, the media should be aware of their own stances and detach them from their reportage. For example, if they believe in science, she asked whether it is acceptable if they portray followers of naga in a superstitious way.
"There are multiple truths in society. Our job is to show the diversity and present debate in a well-rounded manner, leaving the public to make their own judgement. Avoid producing one-sided reportage which can reinforce narrow-minded views," she said.
Pan said in the post-truth age, personal beliefs are more important than facts. Despite the information available on the internet, users remain guided by their own feelings. In the past, the media held sway over the construction of reality, but now emerging like-minded networks are producing their own narratives. When power is decentralised, individuals can make their voices heard. The role of the media is to ensure visibility and question why and how. When it comes to reporting naga, they can focus on its relationship with local communities.
"Otherwise, it will just come and go," she said. "The media must choose between popularity and credibility. Nowadays, the demand for engagement compromises professional integrity. Go deeper because presenting viral content doesn't create anything new."
Alternative ways of being
Neeranooch Malangpoo, a lecturer at Silpakorn University's Faculty of Archaeology, spoke of an imbalance of local, non-expert voices in the media. When it comes to superstition or supernatural power, reporters often seek experts in science and religion rather than interview locals for their viewpoints. Developed in the Age of Enlightenment, modern science is just one way of understanding the world. It has long been thought that rational contemplation and deliberation will lead to disenchantment, but this has not yet been realised.
"It is not just here but across the world. This condition is not necessarily described as "primitive". It isn't a problem at all if it doesn't violate anybody. In fact, there is a paradigm shift in science. You may have heard of the Anthropocene. There are other ways of thinking that enable humans to coexist with the world in a more sustainable manner. These movements have already begun in other societies. Is it possible to find alternative ways of being apart from science? Our country is seeing support for the mutelu economy, but can we do more than this?" she said.
"Science is constantly challenged, but it is assumed to have a sacred status. There is nothing wrong with science. We can believe it without desecrating other beliefs."
In an interview with local media, Neeranooch explained that modern societies separate supernatural elements from everyday life, but in non-Western culture, invisible beings are thought to coexist with people because each person understands their human status as part of a hierarchical relationship with these entities, which holds sway over their life. A growing trend of worshipping sacred items results from economic change since the 1980s. Uncertainties, for example, short-term employment and lack of welfare benefits, lead people to seek spiritual refuge for a confidence boost.
"In this context, an audience's interest in superstition and supernatural power comes as no surprise because their life is involved in what science can't explain. Meanwhile, the media plays a role in promoting the popularity of sacred items, for instance, Luang Phor Koon and Jatukham Ramathep. Those who follow these news stories may think they benefit their life," she said.
