Thailand is facing a cybersecurity crisis, with cyberattacks in the country occurring 70% more frequently than the global average, according to a report by Check Point Software Technologies.
This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for enhanced security measures and increased awareness among businesses and individuals. Experts warn that the rise in attacks could lead to severe economic and operational disruptions if left unaddressed.
Key takeaways
- Thailand’s cyberattacks are 70% higher than the global average, with phishing scams and banking fraud posing major threats.
- AI-powered cybercrime is on the rise, with deepfake phishing scams and financial fraud becoming increasingly sophisticated.
- Delays in government IT procurement and economic downturns have led to reduced cybersecurity spending, leaving organizations vulnerable.
The most prevalent threats include phishing scams and banking fraud, both of which have significantly higher infection rates than the global norm. These schemes often target unsuspecting individuals through deceptive emails, fake websites, or fraudulent messages designed to steal sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, or banking credentials.
An IT executive, who requested anonymity, revealed that delays in government IT procurement and a downturn in the stock market since the second half of last year have led to reduced cybersecurity spending in Thailand.
Cyberattacks on the rise
According to Chanvith Iddhivadhana, country manager of Check Point Software Thailand, organizations in the country have faced an average of 3,180 cyberattacks per week over the past six months (August 2024 – January 2025), far exceeding the global average of 1,843 attacks per week.
A CheckPoint Intelligence Report highlights that ransomware incidents account for 6% of cyberattacks in Thailand, compared to the 4% global average.
Meanwhile, banking malware is responsible for 9.5% of attacks, significantly higher than the 2.8% global figure.
The findings align with data from the Bank of Thailand, which reported that Thai bank customers have lost more than 60 billion baht to online financial fraud over the past two years. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for stricter cybersecurity measures and public awareness campaigns to combat the growing threat of digital scams. Financial institutions are now under increasing pressure to implement advanced fraud detection systems and educate their customers on safe online practices.
Cybercriminals are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) tools like DeepSeek to scale their operations, engaging in identity impersonation, financial theft, and bypassing bank security systems. These sophisticated tools allow them to generate convincing fake identities, manipulate digital communications, and exploit vulnerabilities in automated systems with unprecedented precision. As AI continues to evolve, the potential for more targeted and large-scale cyberattacks grows, posing significant challenges for individuals, businesses, and governments striving to protect sensitive data and financial assets.
AI-driven phishing scams, utilizing deepfake voices and AI-generated content, have become rampant.
These attacks are becoming more sophisticated, employing automated info-stealers, evading fraud detection, and executing large-scale spam campaigns with alarming efficiency, Check Point Software warned.
Despite rising cyber threats, Thailand still lacks strong cybersecurity awareness, unlike Singapore, which has advanced risk management measures and quantum security initiatives.
However, Thailand’s Cloud First policy is boosting digital modernization, with the cloud security market projected to grow 25% annually, reaching $7.4 million by 2029.
As AI-driven cyber threats escalate, businesses are increasingly investing in external risk management platforms to combat vulnerabilities and fraud.
Additionally, Thailand’s amended cybercrime decree is expected to drive greater cybersecurity investment from banks and telecom operators.
The report emphasizes the importance of adopting advanced cybersecurity technologies, fostering collaboration between public and private sectors, and educating users on best practices to mitigate risks. As cybercriminals continue to exploit vulnerabilities, Thailand must act swiftly to strengthen its defenses and safeguard its digital infrastructure.
