Thailand Fights Back: New System Halts Billion-Baht Scam Surge
Thailand is aggressively combating the escalating problem of call center scams and spam with the launch of a new anti-scam platform, “DEFENCE.” Developed by the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry, the platform is undergoing testing with government officials and promises a comprehensive approach to identifying and preventing fraudulent communications.
DEFENCE leverages a sophisticated system of interconnected databases, drawing information from various sources including telecommunications operators, the Royal Thai Police, the Anti-Money Laundering Office, the AOC 1441 Center, and the DES Ministry itself. This integrated network provides users with real-time information about incoming calls and SMS messages, effectively highlighting potentially fraudulent activity.
A key feature of DEFENCE is its ability to identify the source of incoming calls, distinguishing between internet protocol (VoIP) calls and those originating from SIM cards. This is crucial, as VoIP calls are often used by scammers operating outside the country to mask their location. By alerting users to the call’s origin, DEFENCE empowers them to make informed decisions about answering. The platform also scrutinizes links in SMS messages, flagging suspicious URLs and helping users avoid phishing attacks.
Furthermore, DEFENCE streamlines reporting suspected scams. Users can report suspicious activity directly through the platform and even initiate requests to freeze fraudulent bank accounts via the AOC 1441 hotline, facilitating swift law enforcement action. This integrated approach distinguishes DEFENCE from existing anti-scam applications, offering a more holistic solution to online fraud.
Wetang Phuangsup, Secretary-General of the National Digital Economy and Society Commission (ONDE), highlighted DEFENCE’s comprehensive nature, emphasizing its unique integration with local databases and legal frameworks. This collaborative approach, he noted, is essential for efficiently tackling the multifaceted challenge of online scams. Developed with a budget of approximately 40 million baht from ONDE, the platform will be available for free download after the trial period. The DES Ministry is also exploring pre-installing the app on mobile phones nationwide in collaboration with the Electronic Transaction Development Agency, potentially providing widespread access to this crucial security tool.
Deputy Prime Minister and DES Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong underscored the platform’s role in empowering the public to screen calls and messages, aligning with the government’s broader strategy to crack down on call center gangs and fraudulent SMS operations. He explained that DEFENCE categorizes numbers into three lists: a blacklist of confirmed criminal numbers, a greylist of suspicious numbers, and a whitelist of verified government agency numbers. This tiered system clearly indicates the risk associated with each communication.
The urgency of this initiative is highlighted by alarming statistics from the Royal Thai Police. Between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024, over 330,000 online reports of tech crimes were filed, resulting in 37 billion baht in damages. The launch of DEFENCE represents a significant step in Thailand’s fight against digital crime, offering individuals a much-needed tool to protect themselves in an increasingly complex digital landscape. The platform’s success will be closely monitored as it transitions from testing to public availability, holding the promise of a safer online environment for Thai citizens.
