Information Threats: Lessons from the Russia–Ukraine and Gaza Conflicts for Thailand’s National Preparedness

Abstract

In the contemporary era, information plays a critical role in shaping advantages in warfare, particularly in cognitive warfare that extends the battlefield into cyberspace. This study investigates patterns of information threats by collecting news reports, analyses, interviews, and academic literature related to such threats—including information operations, psychological operations, and cyber operations—based on case studies from the Russia–Ukraine war and the Gaza conflict. The analysis provides insights into the application of various strategic models in information operations, as well as countermeasures between conflicting parties, and compares these findings with Thailand’s current situation. The purpose is to draw lessons and propose preparedness measures for Thai government agencies to address information threats across four citizen-centered dimensions. The study finds that the Thai government should: (1) strengthen situational awareness by fostering fact-checking networks, integrating collaborative mechanisms, supporting the use of artificial intelligence to enhance the detection of cyber anomalies, and enabling real-time communication of factual information; (2) improve preventive effectiveness through cooperation with social media platforms and cybersecurity experts, as well as nationwide promotion of media and digital literacy; (3) enhance the efficiency of control and mitigation by developing proactive strategic communication capacities, alongside comprehensive regulation of information, social media platforms, and critical infrastructure in alignment with digital innovation; and (4) build resilience by safeguarding critical information systems at Thailand’s border areas. These measures collectively strengthen Thailand’s capacity to respond effectively to information threats.