|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA), an agency under Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, recently held a press conference to announce the launch of a project aimed at enhancing Thai citizens’ awareness of online issues.
The project, titled “Be aware of cheating games, stop deceiving people,” is in its second year and is operated by the Online Help and Problem Management Centre (1212 ETDA). Its goal is to expand the capabilities to deal with online dangers by upgrading the skills of personnel in both the public and private sectors, as well as empowering the general public. The initiative aims to create a network of informed consumers within the community, instilling confidence in conducting online transactions securely.
The press conference, held on February 2024, was presided over by Mr Prasert Chandraruangthong, the Minister of Digital Economy and Society. Also in attendance were Mr Natthaphon Natthasomboon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, and Mr Meetham Na Ranong, Deputy Director of the ETDA.
Minister Prasert highlighted the increasing digitalisation of activities worldwide, prompting governments, businesses, and individuals to adapt to online platforms. He emphasised the government’s focus on realising the digital economy policy to provide efficient services to the people, emphasising the importance of security and safety in digital operations.
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has been actively developing digital infrastructure to ensure safety and compliance with international standards. Efforts include promoting the use of cloud technology, fostering entrepreneurship, attracting investment, and advancing AI applications. Despite these advancements, addressing online dangers remains a crucial aspect of digital development. The Ministry continues to take steps to tackle online threats, such as preventing personal information leaks, utilising apps to identify risky online activities, and ensuring standards for online purchases, including cash-on-delivery services.
The 1212 ETDA plays a crucial role in managing online threats, receiving 60,178 complaints in 2023, with a 96% resolution rate. The most common issues reported were related to online trading and illegal websites. The agency has evolved from being a mere complaint channel to a central hub for managing digital platform service complaints. It has expanded its network to nearly 20 agencies to address problems comprehensively.
To further its mission, the 1212 ETDA conducts knowledge transfer activities and awareness campaigns across various regions in Thailand. In 2023, these efforts engaged 4,880 participants from 22 provinces. The agency plans to expand its reach to an additional 10 provinces in 2024, starting in February. Activities will include exhibitions from relevant agencies and forums to share knowledge and case studies. Updates and details can be found on the Facebook page of 1212 ETDA.
Mr Meetham Na Ranong, Deputy Director of ETDA, highlighted the agency’s role in promoting and supporting confidence in online transactions. He noted that ETDA operates as a regulatory agency for digital service businesses, working in collaboration with networks of the public, private, and civil society sectors. The agency gathers information on online threats occurring through digital platforms and social media, playing a critical role in addressing these issues.
Further, Mr Meetham Na Ranong revealed that 1212 ETDA received 60,178 complaints in 2023, with a resolution rate of 96%. The most common issues reported were related to online trading and illegal websites. To enhance its operations, 1212 ETDA has expanded its role from being a mere complaint channel to coordinating and monitoring related operations. It now serves as a central channel for receiving complaints from digital platform services, working with a network of nearly 20 agencies to manage problems more comprehensively.
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, along with 1212 ETDA, is committed to addressing online dangers and promoting safe online transactions. Through their collaborative efforts, they aim to create a knowledgeable society that can navigate the digital landscape securely.
