On the 10th, Thai Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presided over a press conference to announce the results of the 'United Thailand Anti-Fraud' campaign, elaborating on the latest government policies in combating technology crime and fraud networks, and calling on all citizens to join hands in eradicating fraud.
The press conference was held at the Royal Thai Police Headquarters' Personnel Development and Welfare Training Center in Bangkok, attended by Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary Athisit Samphantharat, Royal Police Commissioner Kittirat Phanphet, Interior Ministry Chief Inspector General Narucha Kosassirilai, as well as various officials, institutional representatives, and media.
After arriving, Anutin led a moment of silence to pay tribute to Queen Mother Sirikit, and then inspected a demonstration of the operations of the Anti-Online Scam Operation Center (AOC). Police showcased a Facebook online store fraud case in which the victim was deceived into wiring money to nine different accounts, losing a total of 700,000 baht. Police have blocked related websites and, in cooperation with Facebook, LINE, and banks, tracked down accomplices, ultimately arresting the suspect.
Anutin stated that fraud cases involve three offenses: defrauding citizens and inputting false data, transnational crime, and violating the Anti-Money Laundering Act. Police have cooperated with Interpol and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation to initiate extraditions and have intensified fraud awareness campaigns.
At the conference, the Prime Minister and officials handed out checks totaling 15 million baht to 33 victims, symbolizing the "cash back" plan to recover swindled funds. With the help of multiple departments, the project has already recovered 312 million baht.
He emphasized that the government has listed "combating technology crime" as a national agenda and established the "Technology Crime Prevention Committee," chaired personally by the Prime Minister, and has joined forces with 15 public and private sector bodies to intercept cash flows and cut off fraud networks.
"We must eradicate the pain brought by fraud; this is not just an economic issue, but concerns public trust as well," Anutin said. He stressed that there would be "zero tolerance" for involved officials, and anyone with evidence of politicians or officials implicated may report directly; the government will legally protect whistleblowers.
Anutin urged the whole people to keep in mind the three principles of "do not trust easily, do not act rashly, do not transfer money," to be wary of unfamiliar links and impersonated official verification requests, and to strengthen anti-fraud education. He indicated that the government will continue promoting anti-fraud awareness through media and social platforms.
"Thailand has proven we can be the nemesis of fraudsters. The police, working under public expectations, will surely bring the greatest benefit to the people," Anutin stressed.
Royal Thai Police Assistant Commissioner General Jirapop Puridet added that global online fraud has caused losses of over $1.03 trillion, with Asia being particularly affected. In Thailand, nearly one million fraud cases have been reported in the past three years, with losses exceeding 100 billion baht and more than 3,000 new cases recorded daily on average.
He stated that Thailand will continue to pursue the sources of cross-border fraud through international cooperation and diplomatic pressure, ensuring the safety of its citizens and the peace of society.
After arriving, Anutin led a moment of silence to pay tribute to Queen Mother Sirikit, and then inspected a demonstration of the operations of the Anti-Online Scam Operation Center (AOC). Police showcased a Facebook online store fraud case in which the victim was deceived into wiring money to nine different accounts, losing a total of 700,000 baht. Police have blocked related websites and, in cooperation with Facebook, LINE, and banks, tracked down accomplices, ultimately arresting the suspect.
Anutin stated that fraud cases involve three offenses: defrauding citizens and inputting false data, transnational crime, and violating the Anti-Money Laundering Act. Police have cooperated with Interpol and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation to initiate extraditions and have intensified fraud awareness campaigns.
At the conference, the Prime Minister and officials handed out checks totaling 15 million baht to 33 victims, symbolizing the "cash back" plan to recover swindled funds. With the help of multiple departments, the project has already recovered 312 million baht.
He emphasized that the government has listed "combating technology crime" as a national agenda and established the "Technology Crime Prevention Committee," chaired personally by the Prime Minister, and has joined forces with 15 public and private sector bodies to intercept cash flows and cut off fraud networks.
"We must eradicate the pain brought by fraud; this is not just an economic issue, but concerns public trust as well," Anutin said. He stressed that there would be "zero tolerance" for involved officials, and anyone with evidence of politicians or officials implicated may report directly; the government will legally protect whistleblowers.
Anutin urged the whole people to keep in mind the three principles of "do not trust easily, do not act rashly, do not transfer money," to be wary of unfamiliar links and impersonated official verification requests, and to strengthen anti-fraud education. He indicated that the government will continue promoting anti-fraud awareness through media and social platforms.
"Thailand has proven we can be the nemesis of fraudsters. The police, working under public expectations, will surely bring the greatest benefit to the people," Anutin stressed.
Royal Thai Police Assistant Commissioner General Jirapop Puridet added that global online fraud has caused losses of over $1.03 trillion, with Asia being particularly affected. In Thailand, nearly one million fraud cases have been reported in the past three years, with losses exceeding 100 billion baht and more than 3,000 new cases recorded daily on average.
He stated that Thailand will continue to pursue the sources of cross-border fraud through international cooperation and diplomatic pressure, ensuring the safety of its citizens and the peace of society.