The rapid integration of technology into daily life in Thailand has brought about incredible opportunities, but it has also created fertile ground for digital scams and cybercrime. The country has a moderately robust digital ecosystem, ranking 40th of 133 on the Network Readiness Index. The country boasts an impressive 88% internet penetration rate demonstrating widespread connectivity, while 52.5% of the population uses mobile devices for internet access. On average, Thai citizens spend 2 hours and 31 minutes online daily, a figure that highlights the integral role of digital technology in modern Thai life.
Social media is a dominant force in Thailand’s digital landscape, with 49.1 million active users across platforms. Facebook is the leading social media platform, with 24.7% of Thais using it, followed by YouTube and Instagram. Meanwhile, e-commerce usage has reached 74%, establishing online shopping as a key driver of economic activity. Together, these figures underscore the growing importance of digital engagement in Thailand’s economy.
However, increased online presence also means increased exposure to the risks of the online realm. This includes the rising incidence of scams and fraud in Thailand. Between January and July 2024 alone, nearly 200,000 scam cases reported.
As part of a regional initiative to build resilience against scams, the Tech for Good Institute in partnership with the Thailand Consumer Council, convened a multi-sectoral roundtable. The session brought together representatives from government, financial institutions, civil society, and digital platforms to explore collaborative strategies to strengthen public awareness, enhance enforcement response, and safeguard the country’s digital future against rising cyber threats.
Participants
- Naruemon Mekborisut, Deputy Director, Foundation for Consumers (FCC)
- Dr. Nakarin Amarese, Bank of Thailand
- Prof. Pawee Jenweeranon, Lecturer in Law, Thammasat University
- Supinya Klangnarong, Co-founder, COFACT Thailand
- Dr. Aimpaga Techa-apaikun, Assistant Professor of Private Law, Thammasat University
- Jeerichuda Juntrabut, Officer, Law Development Center, Electronic Transaction Development Agency (ETDA)
- Nisara Kaewsuks, Policy Analyst (General Goods & Services), Thailand Consumers Council
- Sujitra Sompan, Policy Analyst and Pursuance Officer, Thailand Consumers Council
- Bhalathit Trongmeteerat, Business Law, Thailand Consumers Council
- Wipaporn Sae-phu, Legal Officer, Thailand Consumers Council
Key Takeaways:
- Technology advancement helps combat scams and prevent fraud
Technology plays a central role in combatting scams and fraud prevention in Thailand. During the roundtable, participants emphasised the importance of leveraging digital tools and AI-driven technologies to detect and prevent fraudulent activities before they escalate. For example, mobile apps that identify and flag scam phone numbers were discussed as effective tools, offering users a proactive defence against scams. The Thai government is also exploring AI-driven fraud detection systems to monitor patterns and flag suspicious transactions or activities, particularly in the realm of online banking and e-commerce.
A key technological measure also highlighted was caller ID services. These systems not only help detect scam calls but also act as preventive tools to alert individuals in real time. In line with this, Thailand has enhanced intelligence-sharing across regional borders, allowing for real-time tracking of scam operators. Cross-border collaboration with neighbouring countries like Laos and Cambodia ensures that networks of fraud are identified and disrupted before they can spread further. The use of technology thus becomes a multifaceted tool for not just detection but also prevention of scams across the region.
- Effective law enforcement is crucial to tackle fraudulent practices
The effective enforcement of laws and regulations is vital for Thailand’s scam prevention strategy. The Thai government has implemented a multi-layered approach to regulating and policing cyber activities, and ensuring stringent law enforcement to tackle fraudulent practices. Illegal SIM cards and fake telco towers are often exploited by scammers to evade detection, making regulatory action crucial. For instance, participants highlighted the importance of regular audits of SIM card registrations to ensure compliance with national regulations and prevent unregistered SIMs from being used in scam operations.
Additionally, enforcing regulations related to financial transactions is crucial. The government is tightening controls over suspicious transactions and has introduced new penalties for individuals involved in scam networks. Enhanced penalties are aimed at deterring potential offenders, making it more difficult for scammers to operate with impunity. The Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) audits were also discussed as an essential tool to ensure that citizens’ data is protected, preventing data breaches that could be exploited by scammers. Regular enforcement of these updated laws ensures that the government can respond quickly to new threats as they emerge.
- Community networks should be leveraged for scam prevention
Thailand’s scam prevention strategy places strong emphasis on the power of community networks. Recognising the value of grassroots involvement, participants stressed the need to engage trusted community figures, such as monks, fortune tellers, and local influencers, who are seen as credible within their communities. These figures can help amplify the anti-scam message, making it more relatable and trusted by the public.
One notable proposal was an intergenerational approach, where younger people educate elderly community members,such as grandparents, about digital scams. This approach helps bridge the knowledge gap between generations and fosters mutual learning. Young people can share practical tips on identifying phishing attempts or social engineering scams, whilst older individuals can contribute local context, knowledge and wisdom, creating a more resilient community against fraud.
Community-based awareness campaigns, such as local workshops and scam education events, are being organised in neighbourhoods and schools to further enhance digital literacy. These efforts are designed to empower local communities to recognise and report scams independently, reducing dependency on external enforcement agencies and enabling communities to play a frontline role in fraud prevention.
- Thailand works with neighbours through regional mechanisms
International cooperation and cross-border collaboration are essential in combating scams that operate across multiple jurisdictions. Thailand has made significant strides in strengthening cooperation with neighbouring countries like Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. For instance, Thailand’s collaborative effort with Myanmar led to the dismantling of multiple call centre syndicates by cutting off water, power, and fuel supplies to key scam locations. These proactive measures weakened the operational capacity of these criminal networks and have proven to be highly effective in reducing their influence.
Regional mechanisms such as ASEAN CERT (Computer Emergency Response Team) were highlighted as vital tools for enhancing cybersecurity cooperation. Through information-sharing platforms and joint task forces, countries in the ASEAN region can monitor and respond to emerging scams more effectively. The joint early warning system proposed at the ASEAN summit would enable countries to quickly disseminate alert notifications regarding new scam techniques and help prevent their spread across borders.
Thailand’s recent engagement with Laos resulted in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to combat drug trafficking, human trafficking, and cybercrime. This MoU includes measures like enhanced surveillance at border crossings and stricter regulations on financial transactions linked to suspected criminal enterprises. Similarly, Thailand is also engaging Cambodia to prevent scam networks from relocating to neighbouring countries. This coordinated approach ensures that criminals are not able to easily evade law enforcement by shifting their operations from one country to another.
To build on this success, Thailand is also hosting a regional summit to foster collaboration among ASEAN nations, focusing on cybercrime and online scams. Through diplomacy, intelligence-sharing, and coordinated border patrols, Thailand aims to safeguard its citizens whilst contributing to a broader regional framework that enhances cyber resilience.
