Thai police arrest more than 14,000 online fraudsters

In a cybercrime operation in Thailand, over 14,000 people have been arrested, and assets worth 4.5 billion baht have been frozen.

The National News Bureau of Thailand reports that a major cybercrime operation conducted by the Royal Thai Police over the past seven months has achieved significant success in the fight against online fraud.

Law enforcement efforts have led to the arrest of more than 14,000 people linked to fraudulent call centres or involved in fraudulent schemes, investment fraud and illegal online gambling operations.

Authorities have successfully frozen assets worth 4.5 billion baht linked to criminal activities. Negotiations are underway with the Anti-Money Laundering Authority to recover funds for fraud victims.

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) is also strengthening efforts to combat cybercrime. Last month, the Ministry reported blocking access to gambling websites and disconnecting millions of suspicious mobile numbers.

The measures reflect the MCIE’s determination to protect the digital space and citizens from cyber threats. The Ministry has established a central coordination centre and works with various agencies to counter online threats.

The Ministry is also drafting 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.

As part of the development of cloud computing and artificial intelligence technologies, ICIEO has partnered with Huawei Cloud Thailand, a cloud service from Huawei that stores almost any data type. The collaboration aims to transform Thailand’s digital economy and strengthen cybersecurity capabilities.

The massive operation against online fraud and the efforts of ICES demonstrate Thailand’s serious approach to combating cybercrime. The country’s authorities are committed to creating a safe digital space for citizens and businesses while recovering stolen funds for fraud victims.

These initiatives are essential to building Thailand’s robust and prosperous digital economy.

The campaign, dubbed “Together Against Cyber Threats”, was launched by Thailand’s National Police Chief, General Damrongsak Kittiprapas. The main objective is to raise public awareness of cyber threats and encourage internet users to be cautious of online activities.

According to statistics, Thailand faces approximately 800 cybercrimes daily, resulting in significant financial losses. From 1 March 2022 to 30 June 2023, the country recorded 287,122 criminal cases related to cybercrime, with a total loss of nearly 40 billion baht.

Many of the fraudulent schemes originate from outside Thailand, with foreign criminal groups targeting Thai users from countries such as Cambodia and Myanmar. To address online safety, UNICEF and the Thai government have launched a campaign urging children and teenagers to think twice before sharing personal information online.

In addition, Thailand’s Royal Decree on Measures to Protect and Suppress Technological Crimes came into effect in March 2023. This decree calls on banks and service providers to help combat cybercrime and fraud.

Thailand has demonstrated a serious approach to tackling cybercrime by bringing together law enforcement, government agencies, and international organisations. Large-scale operations, legislative initiatives, and awareness campaigns aim to create a safer digital environment in the country.