In a landmark move to safeguard its burgeoning digital landscape, Thailand has positioned itself for a “CYBER SECURITY YEAR,” with leading digital service provider AIS joining forces with key government agencies and private sector partners. This comprehensive initiative, driven by the “Secure Network Alliance,” aims to proactively disrupt scams and cyber threats at their source, fostering a secure and resilient digital society crucial for the nation’s economic and social advancement.
Bangkok, Thailand – The collaboration brings together a formidable coalition including the Office of the National Security Council, the Royal Thai Police, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). This united front underscores the Thai government’s urgent commitment to protecting its citizens from the pervasive technological threats that are increasingly impacting national economic stability and security. More than 100 organizations from diverse sectors have been invited to join this national endeavor, signaling a collective determination to reinforce a robust and secure digital environment across all dimensions.
The announcement comes at a critical juncture, as cybercrime, particularly sophisticated call-center scams and online fraud, continues to inflict substantial financial and personal data losses on the Thai public. The gravity of the situation was starkly illustrated by statistics from March 1, 2022, to April 30, 2025, which recorded a staggering 887,315 online crime cases, culminating in damages exceeding 89 billion baht. This equates to an average daily loss of approximately 77 million baht, highlighting the severe economic drain and the distress caused to victims who face fraudulent money transfers, unauthorized bank withdrawals, and the misuse of personal data.
Government Vows Decisive Action and Legislative Reinforcement
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai emphasized the government’s unwavering focus on tackling these escalating cyber threats. “The government recognizes the importance of addressing cyber threats, particularly call-center scams that significantly harm the public,” stated Phumtham. He detailed the National Security Council’s proactive, multi-pronged strategy operating across three main pillars: the formulation and improvement of legislation, the fostering of inter-agency cooperation and coordination, and the elevation of national security levels.
A key objective of this strategy is the swift dismantling of drug trafficking networks, transnational crime syndicates, and the eradication of call-center gangs. This will be achieved through a combination of robust policy-making, targeted operational initiatives, and enhanced international cooperation, notably under the ‘Seal Stop Safe’ operation. This operation includes stringent measures to seal border areas, effectively disrupting call-center gangs at their origin points. Furthermore, critical legislative amendments are underway to control the misuse of nominee bank accounts and SIM cards – often referred to as ‘horse accounts’ and ‘horse SIMs’ – which are instrumental in facilitating these illicit activities.
The Deputy Prime Minister also highlighted the integrated collaboration with key regulatory and enforcement agencies, including the NBTC, the Bank of Thailand, the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society. “The government remains committed to elevating cybersecurity policy to a national level, integrating efforts from governmental agencies, private sectors, and the public to jointly create a safe digital society, as it is a shared mission for everyone,” Phumtham affirmed.
He expressed his gratitude to all participating entities and voiced his hope that “our collective efforts will transform this ‘CYBER SECURITY YEAR’ into a pivotal turning point, truly establishing a digitally secure Thailand.” This comprehensive approach signifies a determined effort to create a layered defense mechanism, making it significantly harder for cybercriminals to operate and exploit vulnerabilities within the system. The focus on both technological countermeasures and legislative reforms aims to create a sustainable framework for cybersecurity, adapting to the evolving tactics of malicious actors.
Royal Thai Police Intensify Proactive Cybercrime Combat Operations
The Royal Thai Police, through its Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), is at the forefront of the operational battle against these digital adversaries. Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwphan, Commissioner of the CCIB, painted a sobering picture of the current threat landscape. “Today, Thai society is confronting escalating cybercrime threats orchestrated by criminals who continually develop sophisticated and aggressive techniques, causing significant losses in both personal data and financial assets,” he stated. The sheer volume of cases and the financial devastation underscore the urgent need for prompt and comprehensive measures to alleviate public suffering.
In response, the Royal Thai Police have significantly enhanced their strategies for prevention, suppression, and organizational restructuring to effectively combat modern cybercrime. A key development has been the establishment of the Police Cyber Taskforce (PCT), a specialized unit dedicated to systematically collecting data, analyzing criminal patterns, and launching proactive operations against cybercriminal networks. This intelligence-led approach allows for more targeted interventions and a greater understanding of the modus operandi of various scam operations.
Furthermore, the CCIB is increasingly leveraging cutting-edge technology to bolster its investigative capabilities. “Additionally, we leverage AI technology and advanced transaction analysis systems to trace financial trails of criminal networks,” Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong explained. This technological adoption is crucial for unmasking complex financial webs and identifying the beneficiaries of cybercrimes. Collaborative efforts with network partners, including telecommunications providers like AIS, have also been strengthened, facilitating integrated operations and leading to ongoing criminal apprehensions.
The Commissioner expressed strong confidence in the “CYBER SECURITY YEAR” initiative, believing that “enhancing these collaborative efforts will serve as a pivotal mechanism in sustainably protecting Thai society from cyber threats.” The proactive stance of the police, combined with technological advancements and robust partnerships, forms a critical pillar in Thailand’s national cybersecurity strategy, aiming not just to respond to incidents but to actively prevent them and bring perpetrators to justice.
AIS: Championing Cyber Wellness and Forging a Secure Digital Future
As a leading digital service provider with a customer base exceeding 50.8 million, AIS plays an instrumental role in connecting users to the digital world and, consequently, in shaping their online experiences. Somchai Lertsutiwong, Chief Executive Officer of AIS, articulated the company’s deep-seated commitment to this national cause. “As a leading digital service provider, AIS plays a significant role in connecting users to the digital world. We remain committed to continuously building cyber immunity and digital literacy under our mission ‘Cyber Wellness for THAIs,’ fostering safer digital experiences,” Somchai declared.
AIS’s efforts are multi-faceted, encompassing compliance with government cybersecurity measures, diligent management of mobile signal coverage in vulnerable border areas (often exploited by scam operations), and close collaboration with police operations to combat scams and call-center frauds. The company has also been proactive in developing innovative cybersecurity-focused digital technologies. These include the 1185 AIS Spam Report Center and the *1185# Aunjai Report End of Scammer service, empowering users to easily report suspicious activities and contributing to a collective defense against scams.
Beyond technological solutions, AIS is dedicated to promoting digital immunity and essential skills through educational initiatives like the Aunjai Cyber Course. This program aims to equip users with the knowledge and awareness needed to navigate the digital world safely. Furthermore, AIS has been instrumental in establishing the Thailand Cyber Wellness Index, a set of indicators designed to measure and improve the nation’s overall digital well-being.
Somchai Lertsutiwong powerfully emphasized the collaborative nature of this challenge: “Cybersecurity is not the responsibility of any single organization; it demands collective action.” He outlined AIS’s three-pronged strategy for the “CYBER SECURITY YEAR” mission: Educate – developing awareness and prevention skills within the entire ecosystem to address issues proactively; Collaborate – strengthening partnerships across both public and private sectors to jointly communicate and drive societal change; and Motivate – campaigning for all sectors to actively enforce regulations and effectively tackle these challenges. The ultimate goal of this comprehensive strategy is to steer Thailand toward a secure and sustainable digital society.
“I sincerely thank everyone involved in this significant milestone. With shared knowledge, mutual understanding, and a unified vision, we can collectively establish a secure and high-quality digital society in every dimension. We look forward to continuing this collaborative journey toward a safer digital future for all Thai citizens,” concluded Somchai. This commitment reflects AIS’s vision of becoming a leading Cognitive Tech-Co, supporting not only the strength of the digital economy but also elevating the quality of life for all Thai people through secure and reliable digital infrastructure.
The Path Forward: Building a Resilient Digital Thailand
The declaration of the “CYBER SECURITY YEAR” and the formation of the “Secure Network Alliance” mark a significant escalation in Thailand’s fight against cybercrime. This initiative recognizes that cybersecurity is not merely a technological issue but a fundamental component of national security and economic prosperity in the 21st century. The collaborative framework, involving government leadership, law enforcement dedication, and private sector innovation, particularly from telecommunications giants like AIS, provides a robust foundation for success.
The multi-layered approach – encompassing legislative reform, proactive law enforcement, technological advancement, public education, and cross-sector collaboration – is designed to create a hostile environment for cybercriminals while empowering citizens and businesses to thrive securely in the digital domain. The focus on disrupting threats at their source, particularly targeting cross-border call-center gangs and the misuse of financial instruments, addresses key vulnerabilities that have been exploited extensively.
Moreover, the emphasis on digital literacy and cyber wellness initiatives is crucial for long-term resilience. An informed and vigilant populace is the first line of defense against many forms of cyberattacks, especially social engineering tactics prevalent in scams. By equipping citizens with the necessary skills and awareness, the initiative aims to foster a culture of cybersecurity consciousness across the nation.
The success of the “CYBER SECURITY YEAR” will depend on sustained commitment, adaptive strategies to counter evolving threats, and continuous strengthening of partnerships. As Thailand continues its journey of digital transformation, driven by AIS’s expansive 5G network catering to over 45.7 million mobile users and its AIS 3BB FIBRE3 broadband services reaching over 5.1 million users, the imperative to secure its digital frontiers has never been greater. This national mobilization represents a determined step towards ensuring that Thailand’s digital future is not only innovative and economically vibrant but also safe and secure for all its people. The collective ambition is clear: to transform Thailand into a beacon of digital security and trust within the region and beyond.
