# Thousands detained as Thailand ramps up cybercrime suppression campaign

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/crime/145369-thousands-detained-as-thailand-ramps-up-cybercrime-suppression-campaign
- Published: 2024-06-10T11:59:56+07:00
- Author: Zhang Fang

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) is intensifying its efforts to
combat cybercrime. It reported a significant increase in access blocks to gambling
websites and the closure of millions of suspicious mobile lines last month.

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) has been taking strong measures
to combat cybercrime, particularly in the areas of gambling websites and suspicious
mobile lines. The increase in access blocks to gambling websites indicates a proactive
approach to preventing illegal online gambling activities.

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Additionally, the closure of millions of suspicious mobile lines demonstrates a 
commitment to addressing potential fraudulent or criminal use of mobile communication
networks. These efforts reflect the MDES’s dedication to safeguarding digital spaces
and protecting citizens from cyber threats.

 * **🔐 MDES’s Efforts Against Cybercrime** The Ministry of Digital Economy and 
   Society (MDES) is actively working to combat cybercrime. They have established
   a central coordination center and are collaborating with various ministries to
   tackle online threats. [source](https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2263829/government-to-form-centres-to-tackle-cybercrime)
 * **💻 Legislative Initiatives** MDES is working on draft secondary laws under 
   the Digital Platforms Decree to regulate online platforms and protect users’ 
   rights. These initiatives aim to create a safer and more secure digital environment.
   [source](https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2400473/thailand-draft-secondary-laws-under-digital-platforms-decree)
 * **🤝 Collaboration with Huawei** MDES has partnered with Huawei Cloud Thailand
   to promote cloud and AI technology development. This collaboration aims to transform
   Thailand’s digital economy and strengthen its cybersecurity capabilities. [source](https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2429070/huawei-mdes-unveil-vision-for-ai-powered-future)

## Massive Fraud Operation Leads to 14,000 Arrests

The Royal Thai Police (RTP) has achieved significant progress in a seven-month operation
targeting online fraud. This effort led to the apprehension of over 14,000 individuals
involved in call center scams, investment fraud, and illegal online gambling operations.

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Authorities have successfully frozen 4.5 billion baht in assets associated with 
criminal activities. Discussions are underway with the Anti-Money Laundering Office(
AMLO) to allocate these funds back to the scam victims, according to an [NNT report.](https://thainews.prd.go.th/nbtworld/news/view/339057/?bid=1)

Thailand has indeed intensified its efforts to combat cybercrime. Recently, the 
country introduced a new **Royal Decree** that allows for suspicious bank and phone
accounts to be shut down. Here are some key points about this campaign:

 1. **Campaign Name**: The campaign, launched by National Police Chief General Damrongsak
    Kittiprapas, is called **“Together against Cyber Threats.”**
 2. **Objective**: The primary goal is to **immunize** the public by raising awareness
    about cyber threats. Online users are encouraged to be **skeptical** and cautious
    about their online activities.
 3. **Statistics**:
 4.  * Thailand faces around **800 cybercrimes** every day, resulting in significant
       financial losses.
     * Between March 1st, 2022, and June 30th, 2023, there were **287,122 criminal 
       cases** related to cybercrime, with total losses of nearly **฿40 billion**.
 5. **Offshore Threats**: Many of these scams originate from **beyond Thailand’s borders**,
    with foreign-controlled scammer gangs targeting Thai users from countries like **
    Cambodia**.
 6. **UNICEF Collaboration**: To address online safety, UNICEF and the Thai government
    launched the **#CautionFirst** campaign, urging children and adolescents to think
    twice before sharing personal information online.

Additionally, Thailand enacted the **Royal Decree on Measures for Protection and
Suppression of Technology Crimes B.E. 2566 (2023)**, which took effect in March 
2023. This legislation enlists the aid of banks and service providers to counter
cybercrime and scams.