Vienna: Thailand has been acknowledged for its pivotal role in combating online crime, as emphasized by the Thai Foreign Minister at the Global Fraud Summit held in Vienna, Austria. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkaew, Minister of Foreign Affairs, highlighted Thailand's invitation to the conference following recognition by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). He stressed the growing threat of online fraud as a security concern, underscoring the necessity for unified global efforts to tackle cybercrime.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Phuangketkaew delivered significant contributions during the summit, organized by UNODC and the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL). Various Thai agencies, including the Royal Thai Police and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, participated. The global conference recognized Thailand's leadership in the field following the International Conference on Global Partnership to Combat Cybercrime in Bangkok in late December 2025.
The Foreign Minister pointed out the increasing severity of fraud, particularly online scams, which impact nations worldwide, especially in Southeast Asia, with an estimated annual loss of over US$40 billion. He also addressed the pressing issues of human trafficking and forced labor, noting Thailand's role as a transit point for trafficking rings but also its efforts in providing refuge and assistance to over 13,200 victims from 40 countries.
Mr. Phuangketkaew emphasized the complexity of the problem due to the rapid expansion of the digital world, where cyberspace often lacks governance and robust laws. He highlighted the challenge of unifying existing frameworks like UNODC, Interpol, and ASEAN, and the importance of collaboration between government and private sectors. He warned of the security challenges posed by inaction against online fraud and its associated issues, such as money laundering and human rights violations.
The Minister also addressed the legal discrepancies between countries, stressing the importance of international unity and cooperation. He called attention to the Bangkok Declaration, urging other nations to adopt it as a foundation for future international cooperation frameworks. He also announced upcoming meetings within the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and ASEAN to further promote collaboration against online crime.
Mr. Phuangketkaew concluded by mentioning the existing United Nations conventions on corruption, online crime, and transnational organized crime, while noting the absence of a convention specifically addressing money laundering.