Verifying the information you spread and being careful not to falsely accuse other people ought to be considered basic rules that people of all ages should know and abide by.
It is therefore most unfortunate that a leader of such high stature as Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha appears to be oblivious of this kind of responsible conduct.
The PM last week accused the demonstration school of Thammasat University of distorting teachings about Thailand's history and monarchy.
He told concerned agencies to look into the school to see if it has indeed been promoting subversive ideas, as accused.
In response, the school, officially known as Thammasat Secondary School (TSS), issued a statement clarifying its mission and activities.
It said it seeks to educate youngsters to become responsible members of society -- citizens who are capable of life-long learning while cherishing social diversity and inclusivity.
The TSS is well-known for pursuing a progressive educational agenda, in contrast to the kind of rote learning that has become a trademark of the Thai educational system.
The demonstration school, operating under the supervision of Thammasat University's Faculty of Learning Sciences and Education, set itself apart from others in enabling such "unorthodox" policies as allowing students not to wear uniforms and giving them no grades.
Unlike most other schools, the TSS does not require students to line up every morning for a ritualistic singing of the national anthem.
Instead, it replaced the flag salute with a 30-minute homeroom session where students and teachers are encouraged to have an honest exchange about what is going on in the school, as well as in their lives.
In its statement, the TSS also elucidated that some of its "unusual" courses such as teen studies, social survival, faith or financial literacy are designed to supplement the academic curriculum to keep students abreast of modern developments.
The practical knowledge can be applied to other challenges in their lives, the school explained.
Many parents and students stand with the school on this.
The TSS cultivates critical thinking, which does not qualify as a distortion of Thailand's history or monarchy, contrary to such an accusation.
Following the school's clarification and positive comments from parents and students, the PM backtracked yesterday.
In doing so, however, he made matters worse. Instead of owning up to his rush to judge the school, he casually brushed aside his allegation, saying he "read about it in the news".
The irony is Gen Prayut himself often complains about the spread of "fake news" and misinformation.
He was so serious about this that he told every government agency to set up an "anti-fake news" unit.
As such, his ordering an investigation into the school based on what he "read in the news" without verifying it made a mockery of his attempt to combat misinformation.
He should know it is unacceptable to slander anybody or any institute based on hearsay. Moreover, his allegation was a serious one. It could easily subject the school to negative social stigma, even hatred, despite its admirable efforts at educational reform.
Instead of serving as a role model, the PM set a bad example with his all-too-casual accusation.
