October 28, 2025 | 04:19 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Thailand government has proposed to host an international conference focusing on cooperation in combating cybercrime and online scams.
The proposal was made by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul after attending the 26th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Summit and the 28th ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Summit involving China, Japan, and South Korea in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Monday, October 27.
According to a report from the Bangkok Post, Anutin said during the morning session of the summit, leaders discussed and expressed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in addressing common issues in the region. He emphasized Thailand's commitment to actively participating in tackling the increasing cases of cross-border cybercrime and online scams.
"Thailand has proposed to host a regional conference to combine the region’s strength in tackling technology-related crime, ensuring practical and coordinated results at the international level," Anutin was quoted as saying by The Nation Thailand.
Cross-Border Coordination
Anutin explained that the proposal is a step towards broader international cooperation in the field of digital security and law enforcement against cybercrime. He stated that Thailand aims to mobilize more focused and effective regional efforts.
He also revealed that he had met with the President of South Korea to exchange views on strategies to combat tech-based crimes. Furthermore, he mentioned that the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been assigned as the main agency in preparing for the conference.
Rampant Online Scams in Southeast Asia
According to the ASEAN-Australia Counter Trafficking report, human trafficking for employment in online scam centers in Southeast Asia has seen a rapid growth. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, this activity has flourished in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and the Philippines. These online scam networks generally operate in areas with weak oversight, such as special economic zones, and are exacerbated by corruption and criminal activities.
In Cambodia, there has been a trend since 2021 of recruiting individuals from overseas for online employment. Upon arrival at the location, they are taken to scam compounds and forced to work there, with rejections promised to be met with physical and psychological torture.
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