Cybercrime in Thailand has surged, resulting in losses of over US$193 million in just the past 70 days, according to the Cybercrime Investigation Bureau. While call centre scams have decreased during this period, there has been a rise in loan scams and activities aimed at making extra money due to the struggling economy.
To combat these growing concerns, mobile phone manufacturer Samsung has introduced an Ad Blocker feature to prevent Samsung Galaxy device users from downloading fraudulent programs or links. The superintendent of the Royal Thai Police’s Cyber Security Investigation Unit, Pol Col Jessada Burinsuchat, highlighted the need for coordination among various stakeholders, including the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, telecom companies, and the Bank of Thailand.
From March 2023, when the government started enforcing the Cyber Crime Prevention and Suppression Act, Pol Col Jessada revealed that freezing dubious bank accounts and successfully refunding money to victims had increased from 2.4% to 24% of cases.
In 2023 alone, Thailand experienced losses of up to $571,755,400.00 due to 185,814 cyber-attacks, averaging 700-800 instances per day. Notably, contact centre scams ranked fifth in terms of instances, resulting in losses of $68,610,648.00 in 10,395 incidents. Luring users into installing malicious programs was the sixth most prevalent method, causing a total loss of $40,022,878.00 from 8,283 cases.
Thailand faces significant cybersecurity challenges given its population of 70 million and high internet usage, with individuals spending over 9 hours online each day. The country has witnessed a rise in cyber threats in recent years, including phishing scams, data breaches, and identity theft cases, leading to financial losses and a loss of trust in online transactions and data security.
To address these challenges, Thailand has implemented cybersecurity measures, with offences related to cybercrime covered under the Telecommunications Business Act and subsequent amendments. The Thailand-Octopus Cybercrime Community actively combats cybercrime by enforcing existing laws and regulations, alongside international partnerships to tackle transnational cyber threats.
Efforts have also been made to raise awareness about cybersecurity best practices among businesses and the general public, organizing educational campaigns and workshops to educate individuals on identifying and mitigating cyber risks.
Looking ahead, Thailand aims to enhance its cybersecurity infrastructure and capabilities by investing in advanced technologies and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors. These proactive measures will help create a robust defense against cybercrime and safeguard Thailand’s digital ecosystem.
In conclusion, cybercrime in Thailand is a complex challenge that demands a comprehensive and collaborative approach. By implementing stringent laws, proactive enforcement, and enhancing cybersecurity awareness, Thailand is working towards mitigating the impact of cyber threats and ensuring a more secure digital environment for all.
