Thousands detained as Thailand ramps up cybercrime suppression campaign – Thailand Business News

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) is intensifying its efforts to combat cybercrime. It reported a significant increase in access blocks to gambling websites and the closure of millions of suspicious mobile lines last month.

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) has been taking strong measures to combat cybercrime, particularly in the areas of gambling websites and suspicious mobile lines. The increase in access blocks to gambling websites indicates a proactive approach to preventing illegal online gambling activities.

Additionally, the closure of millions of suspicious mobile lines demonstrates a commitment to addressing potential fraudulent or criminal use of mobile communication networks. These efforts reflect the MDES’s dedication to safeguarding digital spaces and protecting citizens from cyber threats.

• 🔐 MDES’s Efforts Against Cybercrime The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) is actively working to combat cybercrime. They have established a central coordination center and are collaborating with various ministries to tackle online threats. source
• 💻 Legislative Initiatives MDES is working on draft secondary laws under the Digital Platforms Decree to regulate online platforms and protect users’ rights. These initiatives aim to create a safer and more secure digital environment. source
• 🤝 Collaboration with Huawei MDES has partnered with Huawei Cloud Thailand to promote cloud and AI technology development. This collaboration aims to transform Thailand’s digital economy and strengthen its cybersecurity capabilities. source

Massive Fraud Operation Leads to 14,000 Arrests

The Royal Thai Police (RTP) has achieved significant progress in a seven-month operation targeting online fraud. This effort led to the apprehension of over 14,000 individuals involved in call center scams, investment fraud, and illegal online gambling operations.

Authorities have successfully frozen 4.5 billion baht in assets associated with criminal activities. Discussions are underway with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to allocate these funds back to the scam victims, according to an NNT report.

Thailand has indeed intensified its efforts to combat cybercrime. Recently, the country introduced a new Royal Decree that allows for suspicious bank and phone accounts to be shut down. Here are some key points about this campaign:

1. Campaign Name: The campaign, launched by National Police Chief General Damrongsak Kittiprapas, is called “Together against Cyber Threats.”
2. Objective: The primary goal is to immunize the public by raising awareness about cyber threats. Online users are encouraged to be skeptical and cautious about their online activities.
3. Statistics:
   • Thailand faces around 800 cybercrimes every day, resulting in significant financial losses.
   • Between March 1st, 2022, and June 30th, 2023, there were 287,122 criminal cases related to cybercrime, with total losses of nearly ฿40 billion.
4. Offshore Threats: Many of these scams originate from beyond Thailand’s borders, with foreign-controlled scammer gangs targeting Thai users from countries like Cambodia.
5. UNICEF Collaboration: To address online safety, UNICEF and the Thai government launched the #CautionFirst campaign, urging children and adolescents to think twice before sharing personal information online.

Additionally, Thailand enacted the Royal Decree on Measures for Protection and Suppression of Technology Crimes B.E. 2566 (2023), which took effect in March 2023. This legislation enlists the aid of banks and service providers to counter cybercrime and scams.