Bangkok: The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE) has mandated a rigorous 24-hour monitoring of the underwater cable situation in the Middle East, emphasizing the necessity to maintain uninterrupted internet access in Thailand. The urgency of the matter has led to immediate instructions for Thai internet service providers to elevate their preparedness to the highest level to safeguard the interests of the Thai public and businesses.
According to Thai News Agency, concerns over potential disruptions to international telecommunications networks due to the Middle East situation have prompted Mr. Chaiyanok Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, to direct affiliated agencies to evaluate the situation and devise contingency measures. The Minister instructed relevant agencies to enhance vigilance and prepare crisis-ready contingency plans. Operators are required to assess risks and prepare business continuity strategies to maintain Thailand's telecommunications stability.
Colonel Sarapchai Huwananthan, CEO of NT, has responded by evaluating the situation and implementing measures to minimize the impact on NT's customers. NT's submarine cable connections through the Middle East link to internet gateway points in Europe, accounting for a small portion of internet traffic. NT's measures include addressing any indirect impact on Thailand from increased global internet traffic, despite no direct connection to high-risk areas like the Strait of Hormuz.
NT is adhering to DE's policy by monitoring the situation through its 24/7 network operations center, prepared to activate its Business Continuity Plan. A War Room has been established to manage emergencies and maintain service standards, with a Helpdesk available to assist users during crises.
NT ensures service continuity through diverse and comprehensive routes, with backup systems for uninterrupted service. Internet Gateway connections exist in various regions, including Singapore, Hong Kong, the United States, and Europe, supported by six direct submarine cable systems in Thailand. Additional backup systems through partner service providers enhance resilience, allowing NT to reroute traffic if needed, ensuring continuous service.
Most Thai internet traffic remains within Thailand and the Asia-Pacific region, ensuring stability for users accessing services from local and regional servers. For the small proportion of traffic bound for Europe through the Indian Ocean/Red Sea and the Middle East, NT can reroute data via alternative paths to minimize user impact and maintain performance.
NT utilizes an intelligent network to manage data transmission efficiently, automatically adjusting routes to reduce latency and ensure a seamless user experience.