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The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE) has demonstrated commitment and steadfast dedication to the relentless pursuit of eradicating cyber attacks. The DE Ministry has consistently been at the forefront of the battle against cyber threats through strategic initiatives, comprehensive policies, and cutting-edge technological advancements. With a proactive approach, they have been instrumental in fortifying digital landscapes, safeguarding sensitive information, and ensuring the resilience of digital infrastructure.
Mr Prasert Chandraruangthong, Thailand’s Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DE), unveiled the commendable results of the Anti Online Scam Operation Centre (AOC) 1441. Operating between November 1 and December 2023, AOC 1441 successfully handled 183,016 citizen contacts, frozen 20,204 accounts, and apprehended more than 400 criminals. Notably, the average time to freeze an account plummeted to 9 minutes in December, showcasing the centre’s efficiency.
The Anti Online Scam Operation Centre (AOC) is a government initiative in Thailand that aims to combat online scams and support victims. It is a one-stop service centre that offers knowledge, advice, and assistance to the public regarding cybercrime and online scamming. The centre is a collaboration between various government agencies, including the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, the Anti-Money Laundering Office, the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, the Bank of Thailand, the Thai Bankers Association, the Department of Special Investigation, and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission.
The breakdown of the top 5 account freezes reveals a disturbing landscape of online criminal activities. Product trading fraud tops the list, with 16,033 accounts seized, constituting 45.2% of the total frozen accounts. Other prevalent scams include extra income scams (13.0%), investment fraud (8.8%), fraudulent lending of money (8.1%), and deceptive call centres (7.1%). These statistics highlight the diverse tactics employed by cybercriminals to exploit unsuspecting victims.
Minister Prasert emphasised the need for continued vigilance, particularly regarding online trading through social media platforms. Criminals leverage one of well-known social media’s extensive reach by purchasing advertisements and deceiving users with fraudulent schemes.
Acknowledging the widespread nature of these crimes, Minister Prasert urged citizens to exercise caution and awareness when engaging in online transactions.
The AOC 1441 Centre’s overarching goals emphasise its commitment to aiding victims promptly. These objectives include freezing criminals’ accounts immediately, providing real-time assistance to victims, expediting the return of money to those affected, and enhancing the efficiency of arrests and prosecutions through digital technology. The centre’s hotline, 1441, operates 24/7, offering advice and assistance to the public while serving as a one-stop service to combat online crimes.
Minister Prasert credited the proactive stance taken by Prime Minister Settha, expressing concern for the victims of online theft. The Prime Minister’s directive to the DE to collaborate with various agencies led to establishing AOC Centre 1441. Notably, December 2023 witnessed a significant improvement in the speed of account freezes, reducing the average time from 15 to 9 minutes. The centre now boasts the capability to freeze up to 500 accounts daily, showcasing its potential to tackle the growing menace of online crime.
Minister Prasert confidently asserted that AOC 1441 is poised to play a crucial role in mitigating online dangers for the people. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies, facilitated by digital technology, are expected to expedite the identification and prosecution of perpetrators. As the centre continues to evolve and refine its strategies, there is optimism that the battle against online crime in Thailand will witness substantial progress.
In 2024, the AOC 1441 initiative has already shown promising results in its fight against online crime. The collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and advancements in digital technology have significantly enhanced the capabilities to track, trace, and apprehend cybercriminals. The multifaceted approach of AOC 1441 involves proactive investigation and preventive measures to strengthen cybersecurity across the nation.
