Thai authorities are considering the implementation of additional internet access restrictions along the Thai-Myanmar border, an area notorious for hosting various scam syndicates. These proposed restrictions aim to curtail the rising number of online scams that have significantly impacted residents and others in the region.
This week, a committee is scheduled to visit the Mae Sot district in Tak province to evaluate the potential effects of these restrictions on the local population. The visit will involve representatives from various government and telecommunications entities, including the National Telecom Public Company Limited (NT), telecommunications operators, and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).
Siam Hathasongkorh, chairman of the House Committee on Communications, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy and Society, highlighted that the committee’s visit is part of a broader effort to combat the growing threat of online fraud in the region. The initiative follows a meeting on Thursday with officials from key government agencies, such as the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) and the Anti-Online Crime Centre (AOC), along with representatives from social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok.
During the meeting, officials discussed potential measures to assist scam victims in recovering their stolen funds. However, Siam pointed out that while a second draft of a new cybersecurity law has already been approved by the cabinet, it still requires parliamentary endorsement before it can be enacted. The need for updated legislation remains a significant obstacle to facilitating more effective asset recovery.
