Bangkok: A discussion on cyber threats was held, proposing three approaches to combat fraud: using cell broadcast alerts, banks notifying customers, and collaborating with the Bank of Thailand to prevent capital outflow. It was revealed that 98% of 'mushroom' accounts are outside the tax system. A proposal was made to suspend transfers exceeding 30,000 baht.
According to Thai News Agency, the Senate Committee on Information Technology, Communications, and Telecommunications organized a seminar titled "Integrated Approaches to Cybersecurity in Thailand: Prevention and Suppression of Tech-related Crimes Affecting the Economy and Society." The event saw the participation of notable figures and representatives from both the public and private sectors dedicated to discussing strategies to counter cybercrime.
Mr. Niwet Panjaroenworakul, Chairman of the Committee, emphasized the evolving nature of technology and the corresponding rise in cyber threats. He acknowledged the capability of government agencies to address these issues but warned that criminal groups are leveraging sophisticated technologies to perpetrate crimes. The Committee has previously summoned relevant agencies to address data breaches impacting both the economy and society.
The seminar highlighted ongoing cyber scams, citing recent incidents in Ayutthaya where a retired official and a university student collectively lost millions of baht. These cases underscore the urgent need to address cybercrime in society.
Mr. Niwet pointed out past efforts to expedite measures for reimbursing victims of cyber fraud, acknowledging the slow progress. He expressed hope that the seminar would provide a platform to gather insights and develop strategies to prevent and suppress cyber fraud, thereby enhancing the country's cybersecurity framework.
Discussions also covered "The Situation, Problems, and Gaps in Preventing and Suppressing Technology Crime" and "Laws, Technology, and Private Sector Cooperation: New Mechanisms for Preventing and Suppressing Cybercrime." Panelists included Police Major General Niwet Apawasin, Mr. Suebsak Suebpakdee, Mr. Prinya Hom-anek, Mr. Ronon Kaewsutthi, and Mr. Kochasorn Jaijaem. Police Major General Niwet emphasized the need for public awareness, effective fraud warnings from banks, and the use of cell broadcast alerts for scam warnings.
Collaboration with the Bank of Thailand was deemed crucial to prevent illicit money transfers abroad, potentially enabling the recovery of funds for victims. The investigation into "mock accounts" revealed that most are owned by individuals outside the tax system, complicating enforcement efforts. Plans are underway to involve the Revenue Department to better monitor these accounts by 2026.
According to information gathered by the Thai Embassy, criminals employ three main methods to deceive victims: fraudulent phone calls, scam SMS messages with links, and misleading social media advertisements. The seminar outlined preventative measures, such as parental consent for youth bank accounts and warning systems for potential "mock account" transactions. Additionally, leveraging the tax database system was proposed to combat call center scams, with recommendations to suspend significant transfers from non-compliant accounts.