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Mr Prasert Chandraruangthong, Minister of Digital Economy and Society (Minister of DE), stated that the issue of online theft and fraudulent call centre operations has been increasingly severe. Over one year and seven months, spanning from March 2022 to September 2023, 336,896 cases were reported. On average, this amounts to 585 cases per day, resulting in financial losses reaching a substantial 45,700 million baht, or 80 million baht daily. More than conventional, preventive and suppressive measures may be required to address this issue effectively.
In light of this, the Minister will establish an Anti-Online Scam Operation Centre, setting up a special team to suppress thieves and track down financial routes. Bringing in large social media platforms to help the DE and many other matters to prevent and suppress online thieves today is another important matter.
The Minister has been prompted to spread awareness of this threat by giving training to several agencies in Thailand regarding cybercrime.
The training programme covers contemporary internet-based offences, as well as matters pertaining to criminal legislation and procedures concerning cybercrimes. It also encompasses techniques for conducting digital investigations, including the examination of IP addresses, tracking the origin of offences, and the analysis of data and evidence.
This training delves into principles of computer forensics, electronic evidence, crime scenes, and the maintenance of evidence integrity. Additionally, it addresses the collection and scrutiny of digital proof using specialised software. The curriculum further explores computer network security and techniques for investigating foreign online criminal activities, among other related topics.
Mr Wethang Puangsap, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, mentioned that Minister Prasert has initiated a policy to leverage the resources of various agencies in accelerating the expansion of the workforce in compliance with the Computer Crime Act. The aim is to provide training and modern tools to combat online crimes over the next two months, setting a target of increasing the number of officers to 500.
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society will promptly organise training and examinations for three additional generations of officers under the Computer Crime Act, aiming to bolster their role in preventing and combating online crimes.
Additionally, they also welcome law enforcement agencies interested in enhancing their knowledge and skills related to modern online crimes. Such agencies can reach out to the Ministry for training programmes tailored to their specific needs.
For officials operating under the Computer Crimes Act, they hold responsibilities for gathering evidence and conducting investigations within the framework of the Act. However, any misuse of their powers that results in information disclosure constitutes an offence and is subject to penalties, including imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of 60,000 baht, or both.
Minister Prasert stressed the significance of training officials under the Computer Crimes Act. It is essential for personnel in various relevant agencies, including the Royal Thai Police, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Finance.
These training programmes equip them with essential knowledge and skills for effectively investigating and collecting digital evidence, utilising specialised digital tools, mastering modern digital data analysis, and employing appropriate strategies to prevent and combat online crimes, both domestically and internationally.
Mr Prasert Chandraruangthong believed that these efforts are crucial in addressing online crime issues in Thailand, fostering awareness of cybercrime for the benefit of its citizens.
