The appearance online of yet another sensational story about Myanmar was a reminder of the “post-truth” world we now seem to live in. It prompted another look at the perennial problem faced by Myanmar watchers and other observers, of inaccurate and misleading articles about the country's security environment. Many such stories are easily dismissed, but some have potentially serious consequences.

There is something about Myanmar which seems to attract bizarre ideas and wild stories. It may be the dearth of hard information about the country, which encourages gossip, rumours and speculation, or perhaps it is the volatile nature of Myanmar's security environment which prompts outrageous claims. Understandably, passions run high on many issues.

In this “post-truth” world, in which objective facts and careful analysis seem to be less influential in shaping public opinion (and even official policies) than appeals to emotion and personal belief, we need to be constantly on our guard.

Consider the latest batch of stories about Myanmar which have appeared in the news media and online. Granted, some have only cropped up once or twice, and in relatively low profile outlets, but others have achieved some prominence. In any case, their mere appearance, without any caveats or warnings, lends them a credibility they often do not deserve.

For example, a Chatham House report about modest infrastructure improvements on Myanmar's Great Coco Island in the Andaman Sea prompted a flurry of misleading reports. Even those which cited the original study accurately implied that China could be building, or had already built, an intelligence collection station on the island, a claim that was comprehensively debunked a decade ago.

At least two commentators have claimed recently that Western governments are secretly “fuelling” the civil war in Myanmar, by funnelling supplies to the opposition National Unity Government and armed ethnic organisations. One story has even stated that the US Navy was covertly providing arms to insurgents through “coast-kissing” operations off western Myanmar.