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Cybersecurity becomes a pivotal challenge to governments, organisations, and individuals in a world where digital technology permeates every area of life. ASEAN nations have been at the forefront of technological innovation in recent years. Still, the evolution of digital technology has inevitably increased the need for robust cybersecurity strategies in these countries.
A holistic approach is required, encompassing governance, risk management, a clear understanding of data ownership, active regional and international cooperation, and continuous infrastructure and institutional capabilities refinement.
In Thailand alone, Mr Prasert Chandraruangthong, a Minister of Digital Economy and Society, attended the 4th ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting (4th ADGMIN) in Singapore in February 2024. As Vice Chairman, he led discussions on enhancing digital cooperation within ASEAN, particularly in managing online threats as one of the global transnational crime issues.
Under Mr Prasert’s leadership, Thailand has led in advancing ASEAN’s cooperation and operations to combat online fraud, aiming to establish concrete actions and strengthen cooperation networks among relevant agencies.
During the meeting, extensive bilateral discussions were conducted with ASEAN leaders and dialogue partner countries. A focus was placed on talks with Cambodia aimed at implementing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and Cambodia’s Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications. This collaboration aimed to address the issues related to Call Centre gangs and Hybrid Scam activities while also emphasising the enforcement of laws to prevent and suppress such crimes.
As a result of these discussions, a joint working group between Thailand and Cambodia is set to be established. This working group will serve as a platform for ongoing discussions and cooperation in various areas, including the digital and green economy. The overarching goal is to create a framework that enhances opportunities and income for both countries, leveraging their strengths and resources to achieve sustainable growth and development.
Mr Prasert highlighted the seriousness of online crime as a national security and transnational issue, emphasising the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address it. He has initiated discussions at the policy level, both bilaterally with Cambodia and within the ASEAN framework. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and related working groups will travel to Cambodia in mid-March to follow up and proceed with detailed plans.
In continuation of these efforts, Professor Wisit Wisitsaratha, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, will lead a Thai delegation to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on 18 March 2024. The delegation will engage in bilateral discussions with the Telecommunication Regulator of Cambodia (TRC) to further operationalise the Memorandum of Understanding.
The discussions will focus on promoting information exchange and establishing a joint Thai-Cambodian working group dedicated to combating online fraud. This collaborative effort directly results from past successes in cracking down on Call Centre gangs and Hybrid Scam activities. The aim is to strengthen cooperation between Thailand and Cambodia, leading to more effective and sustainable solutions to combat online fraud and related crimes.
Further, following these bilateral discussions, the Thai delegation will participate in Thailand’s 1st ASEAN Working Group on Anti-Online Scam meeting, hosted by the Ministry of Digital Economy. This crucial milestone meeting will serve as a platform for all 10 ASEAN member countries to discuss and address online crime.
Thailand has played a vital role in advocating for multilateral cooperation within ASEAN to tackle this pressing issue, setting the stage for concrete actions to combat online crimes in the region. Looking ahead, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society is unwavering in its commitment to fostering collaboration and sharing expertise with a wide range of other nations.
“We anticipate continued partnerships with external alliances as we work together to achieve common goals,” Mr Prasert stated, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in navigating the complexities of the digital age. Mr Prasert recognises the value of cooperation and knowledge sharing in addressing cyber challenges and seizing opportunities in the digital realm.
