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Mr Prasert Chandraruangthong, the Minister of Digital Economy and Society, along with the Royal Thai Police, Police Commander Pol Gen Kittarath Phanphet and other officials, announced the successful results of “Operation Cyber Strike.” This operation targeted individuals involved in cyber-related crimes through two separate efforts, demonstrating a significant commitment by the Thai authorities to combat cybercrime.
The first operation focused on dismantling a horse accounting company responsible for billions of baht in damages. The cyber police, acting on information received through the online reporting system www.thaipoliceonline.go.th, discovered that the criminals were using bank accounts registered under the names of legitimate businesses, such as companies and limited partnerships.
This scheme deceived victims into believing the accounts belonged to trustworthy entities. Authorities identified 153 victims (Case ID) with damages exceeding 897 million baht. The total losses were estimated to reach billions of baht, as many victims had not yet filed lawsuits. Based on gathered evidence, authorities requested and received court-issued arrest warrants for 19 individuals connected to the crime.
Law enforcement officials ambushed 43 locations across Thailand, including Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Ang Thong, and several other provinces. The operation resulted in the arrest of twelve suspects. They were charged with joining together to commit fraud by pretending to be someone else and jointly importing false computer data into the computer system, likely to cause damage to the people or allow another person to use a deposit account, electronic cards, or electronic money accounts without intending to use them for themselves or for the business they are involved with, knowing or should have known that they will be used to commit crimes related to technology crimes or any other criminal offence.
In a separate operation, authorities targeted the online gambling website and its associated networks, which reportedly generated a circulation of over 5 billion baht annually. The operation led to the seizure of assets exceeding 500 million baht. Investigations revealed that the network was involved in organising online gambling activities through the “Lottery Land” network’s internet system.
Authorities identified nine related websites, including jaywii, jaywiiplus, jay1000, Ih69, rachahuay, kerry899, linetang88, and huay1plus, which collectively had over 59,000 registered players. Arrest warrants were requested for 29 suspects connected to the operation. Raids were conducted at 17 locations in Bangkok, 13 points in Chumphon Province, and 3 points in Kanchanaburi Province.
The operation resulted in the arrest of seventeen suspects and the seizure of various items, including 47 million baht in cash, over 20 million baht in frozen bank accounts, luxury watches, land title deeds, and a luxurious car.
Mr Prasert Chandraruangthong highlighted the government’s commitment to combatting call centre gangs and online gambling websites, which exploit victims and result in substantial financial losses. Prime Minister Mr Settha Thavisin has underscored the importance of suppressing these offences, prompting the Ministry of Digital Economy, Border Patrol Police, and associated agencies to intensify their efforts and deliver tangible results within 30 days. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has actively engaged with various sectors to enhance collaboration, recognising the need for a concerted approach to tackle these pressing issues.
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society is focused on combating technological crimes, a priority for the government. Collaborating with the Royal Thai Police and other agencies, including sharing security information with neighbouring countries, is crucial in fighting transnational crimes along the border.
To build on their success in dismantling call centre gangs, online gambling sites, and other criminal activities, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has asked the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society to shut down 7,612 online gambling websites from 1 to 9 April 2024.
Since October, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has taken decisive action by blocking many URLs—31,503—associated with illegal gambling sites. This demonstrates the ministry’s unwavering commitment to combating online gambling and related crimes.
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society recognises the urgency of these issues and is dedicated to swiftly addressing them. They encourage individuals with questions or concerns to contact the Anti-Online Gambling Centre (AOC) hotline at 1441 for immediate, around-the-clock assistance.
