Thai Government Tightens Measures to Combat Online Scams with New Legal Decree
Bangkok, The Gulf Observer: The Thai government is set to introduce stricter regulations requiring banks and mobile phone network operators to take greater responsibility in preventing online scams, Deputy Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong announced on Thursday.
An executive decree, to be published in the Royal Gazette, will mandate these institutions to promptly act against suspicious activities. For instance, mobile operators will be obligated to remove messages suspected of containing clickbait or face liability if such messages lead to monetary losses for customers.
“This decree will enhance accountability and improve protections for citizens against online scams,” Mr. Prasert said. He emphasized that mechanisms inspired by similar practices in countries like Singapore will be employed, allowing the government to freeze bank accounts involved in scams where necessary.
The new framework is expected to expedite the process of tracking and recovering stolen funds, reducing the time required to return money to victims from one to two years to less than six months.
The announcement follows a commitment by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to tackle online scam gangs operating in neighboring countries. Speaking at a campaign event in Chiang Mai, Thaksin highlighted information about a major call center gang operating from Cambodia and urged governments in Myanmar and Cambodia to intensify efforts against scam operations.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has also underscored the importance of public awareness in combating cybercrime. During a visit to the Royal Thai Police headquarters, she emphasized the role of the recently launched “Cyber Check” platform, which allows users to verify phone numbers and bank accounts against a police blacklist.
These measures reflect the government’s dedication to strengthening defenses against online scams, safeguarding citizens, and fostering greater trust in digital and financial systems.
