AI and Forbidden Knowledge in the Context of Thailand

This study investigates how artificial intelligence (AI) models address forbidden knowledge within Thailand’s distinctive cultural, legal, and ethical context. In Thailand, ideologically sensitive, religiously significant, taboo, and transgressive knowledge is regulated to preserve social harmony and respect for cultural norms. The study categorizes forbidden knowledge into four key areas: ideology, belief, taboo, and transgression. Using structured prompts targeting these sensitive topics, three AI models--ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini--were assessed to determine their adherence to Thai societal expectations. The models’ responses were analyzed through thematic and content analysis to observe patterns of caution, redirection, or refusal, revealing each model’s approach to handling Thai-specific forbidden knowledge. Findings show that all three AI models demonstrate a conservative stance, often limiting their responses, avoiding controversial details, or redirecting discussions away from sensitive topics. This approach aligns with Thai cultural expectations, particularly around respecting the monarchy, adhering to Buddhist values, and avoiding culturally taboo subjects like political dissent and certain religious beliefs. This consistent caution across the models highlights their alignment with ethical norms that prioritize social harmony over unrestricted knowledge sharing. The study underscores the importance of culturally tailored ethical guidelines in AI, suggesting that integrating local values into AI training can foster public trust and ensure ethical, context-sensitive AI deployment. By respecting Thai societal norms, AI systems can better align with local expectations, thus supporting responsible AI development in Thailand and setting a precedent for culturally sensitive AI frameworks globally.