Thailand is taking significant steps to strengthen its cyber resilience by upgrading national mechanisms and enhancing international collaboration in the fight against online threats and technology-related crimes. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE) is spearheading these efforts to safeguard the country’s digital landscape and ensure the protection of its citizens.
On April 23, 2025, Mr. Ekapong Harimcharoen, Inspector-General of the DE, presided over a high-level meeting focused on improving the operations of the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD). The meeting, held at the Ministry’s headquarters and conducted via video conference, brought together key agencies and stakeholders to discuss the importance of enhancing cybersecurity measures in Thailand.
The TCSD has been upgraded from its previous iteration as the Online Crime Prevention and Suppression Operation Center (AOC 1441), in line with the Royal Decree on Measures for the Prevention and Suppression of Technology Crime (No. 2) B.E. 2568, which was officially published on April 12, 2025. This revamped center aims to streamline cooperation between government entities and private sector partners to expedite the handling of technology crimes, including receiving complaints, suspending fraudulent accounts, and tracking financial transactions to return funds to victims promptly.
Moreover, the TCSD plays a crucial role in analyzing data and bolstering the nation’s digital infrastructure in the telecommunications sector and beyond. To enhance public awareness and transparency, Mr. Wetangk Phuangsap, Secretary-General of the National Digital Economy and Society Commission, appeared on the program NBT Has a Way Out on April 22, 2025. In an interview titled “Can the new Cyber Decree really dig up the roots of online thieves?”, Mr. Wetangk explained the significance of the Royal Decree in strengthening enforcement capabilities and combating cybercriminal tactics effectively.
In addition to domestic initiatives, Thailand is actively contributing to regional anti-cybercrime efforts. Professor Emeritus Wisit Wisitsora-at, Permanent Secretary of the DE, chaired the 5th ASEAN Working Group on Anti-Online Scam (WG-AS) meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia. This meeting, attended by representatives from all 10 ASEAN member states and the ASEAN Secretariat, underscored Thailand’s leadership role in combatting online scams in Southeast Asia.
The meeting discussed key topics such as progress review, project planning for 2026, and considering a joint proposal by the United States for a 2025 US-ASEAN initiative. The proposal aims to engage major technology firms in developing strategies to counter online fraud. Furthermore, efforts are underway to establish cooperation with the Global Anti Scam Alliance (GASA), a global network dedicated to safeguarding consumers from digital fraud.
Thailand has also enacted two Royal Decrees to combat cybercrime and regulate digital assets, focusing on addressing technology crimes like fraud, compensating victims more efficiently, and ensuring better coordination. The country reaffirmed its commitment to international standards by expressing its intent to accede to the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, with plans to participate in the signing ceremony scheduled for October 2025 in Hanoi, Vietnam. Thailand has encouraged other ASEAN countries to consider joining the Convention to promote a unified regional approach to cybercrime.
In conclusion, Thailand is dedicated to creating a secure and innovative digital environment that prioritizes the safety of its citizens, drives economic growth, and fosters regional cyber stability. With evolving cyber threats, Thailand remains proactive in adapting its strategies to effectively combat online crimes and stay ahead in the cybersecurity landscape.