AIS has joined forces with Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and key law enforcement agencies to declare a national mission under the banner “Year of Cybersecurity”. The initiative aims to proactively combat soaring levels of online crime and build a resilient, trusted digital ecosystem for all Thais, kicking off with the “Zero Scam Thailand” strategic forum.
BANGKOK, Thailand – As Thailand continues its rapid digital transformation, the dark underbelly of progress has emerged in the form of pervasive cybercrime, inflicting significant economic and social damage. In response to this escalating national threat, a formidable alliance has been forged. Advanced Info Service Plc., the nation’s premier digital life service provider, announced a strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES), the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), and the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) to launch the “Year of Cybersecurity”. This comprehensive, year-long mission is designed to erect a powerful shield against digital fraud, protect citizens, and secure the foundations of Thailand’s burgeoning digital economy.
The collaboration represents one of the most significant, integrated efforts to date in the nation’s fight against online scams, fraudulent activities, and data breaches. It moves beyond reactive measures to establish a proactive, ecosystem-wide strategy aimed at dismantling criminal networks from their source. The initiative was formally launched alongside a pivotal seminar, “Zero Scam Thailand: Uniting to Stop Cyber Threats for a Safe Society,” which served as an inaugural platform for stakeholders across government and the private sector to exchange knowledge, align strategies, and galvanize collective action. This move signals a new era of shared responsibility in safeguarding the country’s digital future.
The urgency of this initiative cannot be overstated. The economic toll of cybercrime in Thailand amounts to billions of baht annually, draining capital from legitimate commerce and eroding consumer trust, a critical component for any thriving digital economy. This partnership, therefore, is not merely a corporate social responsibility endeavor or a standard government program; it is a strategic economic imperative aimed at preserving the integrity of the digital marketplace and ensuring that Thailand can confidently advance its position as a digital hub in Southeast Asia.
A National Agenda Driven from the Top
The Thai government has placed the battle against online crime at the forefront of its national agenda, recognizing it as a critical obstacle to public welfare and economic stability. Speaking at the launch event, Mr. Prasert Jantararuangtong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, articulated the government’s unwavering commitment. “The government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has continuously prioritized the enhancement of cybersecurity, with a particular focus on suppressing online crimes that directly impact the public,” he stated.
Minister Prasert detailed a multi-pronged strategy that the MDES has been actively deploying. This includes establishing national-level mechanisms through the NCSA to coordinate cyber defense, bolstering the capabilities of the Anti-Online Scam Operation Center (AOC), developing critical standards and human resources in partnership with the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), and running extensive public awareness campaigns to foster digital literacy.
However, the Minister stressed that the complexity of the threat landscape demands a unified front. “Cybersecurity is not the sole responsibility of any single party. It requires the concerted effort of all sectors, spanning policy, law enforcement, and the creation of a secure and socially responsible digital network,” he explained.
In his address, Minister Prasert specifically lauded the proactive role of the private sector, singling out the telecommunications giant. “I would like to thank AIS for its significant and serious role in driving this agenda forward. Today’s collaboration is a crucial step in laying the foundation for a robust cyber ecosystem. While cyber threats may be invisible to the naked eye, their impact is devastatingly clear. Therefore, we must work together to build knowledge, understanding, and awareness at every level of society,” he concluded.
AIS: A Commitment from the Core of the Network
As the operator of the nation’s largest mobile network and a key provider of broadband services, AIS sits at the very heart of Thailand’s digital infrastructure. With a combined customer base of 50.8 million, including 45.7 million mobile subscribers on its intelligent 5G network and 5.1 million AIS 3BB FIBRE3 broadband customers, the company’s role as a guardian of the digital realm is paramount.
Mrs. Saichon Submakudom, Head of Public Relations and Business Relations at AIS, affirmed the company’s deep-seated commitment to this national cause, linking it directly to the company’s core vision. “AIS is dedicated to tangibly driving Thailand towards the ‘Year of Cybersecurity’ by uniting all sectors to create a secure network to protect the public from cyber threats,” she said. “Today marks another significant step in continuing this mission. The ‘Zero Scam Thailand’ seminar, organized with the MDES, NCSA, and CCIB, opens a stage for knowledge exchange among government agencies and our partners in the digital ecosystem, reinforcing that everyone is a vital force in elevating the nation’s cyber defenses.”
This initiative is a direct reflection of AIS’s vision to evolve into a “Cognitive Tech-Co,” an intelligent telecommunications technology organization that leverages its capabilities not just for commercial growth but for societal benefit. For AIS, providing a secure network is as fundamental as providing a fast and reliable one. It is an acknowledgment that the company’s infrastructure is the conduit through which much of the nation’s economic and social life flows, and that this infrastructure must be inherently safe and trustworthy.
The Economic Imperative: Securing Future Growth
The “Year of Cybersecurity” is fundamentally an economic strategy. A digital environment plagued by fraud and mistrust acts as a powerful brake on economic growth. It discourages cashless transactions, deters businesses from fully embracing digital transformation, and creates hesitation among consumers to engage with online services, from e-commerce to digital banking and telehealth. The reputational damage can also impact foreign investment and the country’s overall competitiveness.
By tackling this issue head-on, the partnership aims to reverse these negative trends. A secure digital ecosystem fosters the confidence necessary for the digital economy to flourish. When consumers and businesses trust the networks and platforms they use, transaction volumes increase, innovation is spurred, and the digital economy can become a more powerful engine for national GDP growth. This initiative is an investment in that future, designed to create a safe harbor for digital commerce and communication that will pay long-term dividends for the entire country.
This long-term vision of a secure and sustainable cyber ecosystem is the ultimate goal. The collaboration seeks to create a virtuous cycle where robust policies from the government, strict enforcement by police, advanced protective technology from operators like AIS, and a high level of awareness among the public all work in concert.
“Through the cooperation and strong commitment from all sectors, AIS is confident that Thailand can build a strong, secure, and sustainable cyber ecosystem,” Mrs. Saichon concluded with optimism. “We are ready to deliver a trusted digital future for everyone, moving towards a Thai society that is safe, secure, and prepared to meet every challenge of this digital age with stability and sustainability.”
This landmark alliance between AIS and the Thai government marks a pivotal moment, shifting the national strategy from defense to a coordinated, proactive offense against the pervasive threat of cybercrime, securing both the digital lives of its citizens and the economic future of the nation.
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