Don't believe everything you hear

Hollywood blockbuster "2012" has swept through theatres worldwide with more than US$200 million(Bt6.6billion) taken at the box office largely because of a successful marketing campaign that suggests the end of the world is nigh.

Some viewers have bought into the belief that life as we know it might exist until only until 2012 - and apparently, if we have just a couple of years left to live, why not spend some money to go see a bad movie?

The high anticipation of the movie has come in response to its successful marketing campaign, as well as subsequent Internet postings about the alleged end of the world.

The hype has been so strong that Nasa scientists have been forced on to American morning talk shows to assure viewers the world will not end in just two years from now.

The upside of this hype is that the movie has provoked scientific discussion and helped the wider debate about the condition of the planet today. Indeed, the earth as we know it may not last much longer after 2012 if world leaders cannot agree to combat global warming at the climate-change summit in Copenhagen next month.

The movie's plot is based on the final day of the 5,126-year Mayan calendar. But experts on Mayan history note that the date of December 21, 2012 merits no great attention. It may be the end of an era, but a new era will begin the next day.

Nonetheless, the hype for the film demonstrates the power of the media, especially in the brave new world of communications technology. Rumours spread like wildfire, and some information recipients are ready to buy into hearsay without much consideration for the facts.

Thailand has recently fallen foul of a series of rumours, many of which have turned out to be intentionally leaked to serve particular purposes. It would be fun only if such speculation was meant to boost ticket sales. But when rumours are meant to discredit certain people, we should heed such information only after thorough consideration. Wise men should exercise judgement carefully. Otherwise, the misunderstanding created by unfounded rumours and speculation can create panic with damaging consequences.

What is even more disturbing about rumour-mongering is when political leaders lend their names to unsubstantiated allegations. A few years ago, one such rumour resulted in a riot that destroyed Thai-owned properties, including the Thai Embassy, in Phnom Penh. What was supposed to be quick and easy political capital turned into a diplomatic mess and an international embarrassment for Cambodian leaders.

Thai leaders are no different. This country is being torn apart by gutter politics and vicious allegations from unabashed politicians who were elected to serve the public, but instead devote their time to building up personal wealth and political empires at the expense of their opponents and the people they are supposed to work for.