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The government is preparing to launch phase 2 of the “Khon La Khrueng Plus” co-payment scheme, after all 20 million available slots for the initial stage were filled on the first day of registration, according to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

He said after Tuesday’s cabinet meeting that the scheme, which opened for public registration on Monday, has already reached its full capacity of 20 million participants.

“All rights under the Khon La Khrueng scheme have now been fully allocated. There will be a phase two,” said Mr Anutin.

Government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat said that for those who were unable to register during phase one, which ends on Dec 31, the government is considering launching phase two in January.

He said phase two will prioritise individuals who missed out in the first round, with remaining places allocated in order of registration. Funding will come from the central budget as part of broader economic stimulus efforts.

Additionally, participating merchants in the “Thung Ngern” (Money Bag) app will be included in upskilling/reskilling programmes to enhance their service capacity, delivered through the same application.

When asked whether a potential House dissolution would affect the implementation of phase two, Mr Siripong said such matters would require consultation with the Election Commission (EC) to determine the relevant legal implications.

Winit Wisetsuwannaphum, director of the Fiscal Policy Office and spokesman for the Finance Ministry, said the supplementary registration round for the Khon La Khrueng Plus scheme on Tuesday morning received strong and continuous public interest.

The ministry opened registration for about 496,000 remaining slots from 6am, and all places were filled by 7.24am.

Encryption, the simple act of scrambling data so that it cannot be read by third parties, keeps us, our loved ones, and our communities safe by protecting everything from private messages to online-banking details and medical records. It is the foundation of trust in our digital society, as crucial for personal security as it is for national security.

Despite this, encryption is under unprecedented threat from established democracies, which are inadvertently paving a dangerous path that the world’s autocrats are only too eager to follow.

Specifically, policymakers in these countries often present strong encryption as being at odds with effective law enforcement. But this is a false choice. The reality is that we need legislation that protects people online while also maintaining the security infrastructure that safeguards our data. These goals are not mutually exclusive.

Policymakers continue to claim that creating “backdoors” for law enforcement — exceptional government access to encrypted communications — is necessary to help catch criminals. But cybersecurity research has consistently demonstrated the impossibility of building a backdoor that only the “good guys” can use. A backdoor is a backdoor.

The Salt Typhoon case, in which a Chinese government-supported hacker group gained access to US telecom systems by exploiting backdoors originally created for American law enforcement and intelligence agencies, should have sufficed to show that there is no way to control who exploits engineering vulnerabilities built into a system. However noble their aims, such tools will inevitably become a weapon that criminals, hostile state actors, and malicious hackers can abuse.

Consider the European Union’s proposed Child Sexual Abuse Regulation, more commonly known as Chat Control, which would require providers to scan private communications to detect child sexual abuse material (CSAM). While the goal of protecting children from abuse is urgent and critically important, the proposal would compromise the confidentiality provided by end-to-end encryption.

Under the regulation, providers would have to implement client-side scanning — a technology that scans messages on users’ devices before they are encrypted and sent. If breaking encryption is like ripping open an envelope as a letter passes through the post office, client-side scanning is like having someone read over your shoulder as you write it. The result is the same: privacy and confidentiality are lost. Moreover, client-side scanning would not stop CSAM, as perpetrators can circumvent scanning by zipping the photos or copying and pasting them into another file format.

Once such systems are in place, they create new vulnerabilities that hold implications for free speech. There is no guarantee, for example, that they won’t be used to scan for other types of content — political dissent, union organising, or information that powerful actors want to suppress.

Others, too, face disproportionate harm from weakened encryption. When communications are compromised, journalists lose the ability to protect sources, hampering efforts to expose corruption. Medical professionals need encryption to maintain patient confidentiality. Lawyers need it to preserve the attorney-client privilege. Businesses need it to protect trade secrets. Governments need it for national security. For someone escaping domestic violence or living in a community where their identity puts them at risk, encrypted messaging can even be a matter of life and death.

And yes, children need encryption as well. Research from the United Kingdom’s Information Commissioner’s Office found that encryption strengthens online safety for kids by preventing sexual predators from obtaining sensitive information that could be used for grooming. Breaking end-to-end encryption to “protect children” would, paradoxically, put them at greater risk.

Public pressure can make a difference. The Australian government has not yet compelled tech firms to change their services under its controversial 2018 encryption legislation that gives it the power to issue “technical capability notices”, likely because authorities recognise the political risks of using these powers. In the UK, after civil society mobilised against the Online Safety Act, major companies promised to withdraw their services rather than comply with orders to undermine encryption.

As the Chat Control proposal moves through the EU legislative process, member states are locking horns over encryption. Poland, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, and Finland have opposed the legislation in the Council of the EU on the grounds that it threatens privacy, poses national-security concerns, and is ripe for abuse. But Denmark, France, Hungary, and other countries support it, viewing these risks as worthwhile trade-offs to keep children safe.

The outcome of these political disagreements will be felt far beyond Europe. End-to-end encrypted messaging services are used worldwide, and pressure from a key market like the EU could force firms to compromise the security and privacy of their products, putting users at risk globally.

As the world marks this year’s Global Encryption Day, we must recognise that this debate is not about abstract technical specifications. It is about ensuring that the internet is safe, secure, and trustworthy for all. In terms of protecting children, that means regulations that actually keep them safe, rather than providing false comfort while creating systemic vulnerabilities; targeted law enforcement based on evidence, not mass surveillance; cross-border cooperation to ensure the rapid removal of known CSAM; and robust support for victims and prevention campaigns.

In other domains as well, we need solutions that address online harms without undermining privacy, confidentiality, and freedom of speech. A digital future worthy of our highest aspirations rests on encryption. If we want an internet that is for everyone — where people everywhere can connect, communicate, and innovate safely — we must not allow this foundation to erode. ©2025 Project Syndicate

The transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workforce is rapidly becoming clear, with the technology already reshaping various sectors beyond technology. They include finance, healthcare, education, marketing and human resources.

More than 65% of employers value AI knowledge in candidates, according to the Hiring, Compensation and Benefits Report 2025 by the online job employment platform Jobsdb by SEEK. While not mandatory, AI is clearly becoming an advantageous skill in the competitive landscape.

Additionally, more than 34% of Thai companies have begun integrating AI into their recruitment processes, demonstrating its evolving role in the workplace — from drafting job postings and screening resumes to analysing candidate potential. This reflects how AI is evolving beyond a passing trend to become a strategic driver in the world of work.

Rather than viewing AI as a threat, organisations and individuals are encouraged to see it as an opportunity for enhancement, productivity and skill development.

By approaching AI adoption as a catalyst for growth and innovation, Thai organisations and workers can adapt quickly by reskilling and upskilling in digital competencies, which are critical to thriving in the future job market.

“Thai professionals and organisations must understand that AI is not here to replace people — it is here to make our work more efficient and higher in quality,” said Duangporn Promon, managing director of Jobsdb Thailand.

“Employees should learn how to use AI tools while strengthening soft skills that technology cannot replicate, such as creativity, complex problem-solving and empathy. These are the true values of humanity — when combined with AI skills they will transform Thai workers into highly valuable talent.”

To assist Thai workers in navigating the AI-driven landscape, Jobsdb has proposed the “3A Approach” — a practical guideline that individuals and organisations can immediately adopt:

Accept: Embrace and understand the change. By accepting that AI is a productivity tool, employees can remain open to learning new skills and recognising new opportunities.

Assess: Identify human strengths that AI cannot replace. Focus on irreplaceable skills such as creativity, teamwork and emotional intelligence that will help workers differentiate themselves in the job market.

Adapt: Continuously develop new skills. Build both hard skills, like data analysis and AI competencies, and soft skills such as communication and adaptability to to remain competitive and add value to the workplace.

From an organisational perspective, companies are encouraged to think of AI tools as a strategic partner rather than a replacement for Thai workers. They should invest in ongoing reskilling and upskilling, create a culture that embraces change, and promote lifelong learning.

By empowering employees to use AI tools while upholding human values, businesses can work towards future-proofing both their people and internal operations.

To boost Indian tourism, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has collaborated with the Phra Nakhon District Office and many partners to organise “Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2025” on Pahurat Road and Ong Ang Walking Street until Oct 31.

Diwali is known as festival of lights, which is also celebrated by non-Hindu communities in India and other countries. Activities at Bangkok’s Little India include lighting using cutting edge technology, Thai-Indian cultural exchange performances, tasting Indian cuisine, shopping for Indian products and worshipping the deities Lakshmi and Ganesha for good fortune.

The event also presents the photography exhibition “At The Heart Of Faith: A Portrait Of Bangkok’s Indian Community”, which displays the compelling work of Samatcha Apaisuwan, an independent street photographer. Instead an art gallery, the exhibition is being showcased at four installations across the Pahurat and Klong Ong Ang areas.

“I have been interested in projects that involve communities, so I feel that this is a great opportunity. I initially planned to rent an abandoned building to showcase the collection, but the building was built with a partition wall which is not what I had in mind. I then saw posters on empty walls in communities and that inspired me to showcase my work like posters. It was an experiment and the BMA supported the idea,” explained Samatcha.

“This project allowed me to explore Pahurat which is an area that I was familiar with when I was a student at Suankularb Wittayalai School. It has changed a lot and now has many cafes and modern vibes. I felt great walking through Pahurat and experiencing new things, especially visiting the Gurdwara Siri Guru Singh Sabha [Sikh Temple].”

The highlights of “At The Heart Of Faith” are two photograph collections taken by Samatcha. The first collection, “Connect: From Bharat To Siam”, was taken in 2024 across cities in Rajasthan in northwestern India, particularly Jaipur, as well as smaller towns like Nawalgarh and Mandawa in the Shekhawati region, which is renowned worldwide as an open-air art gallery. Some parts of the collection showcased at Bangkok Design Week 2025, but since there are plenty of photos which had not been seen yet, Samatcha decided to display them at this exhibition.

The other collection was taken in Pahurat. Although these two collections were photographed in different countries, they blend together. Samatcha commented that because he focused on portraits of daily life, these photographs do not look very different.

Many Thais are familiar with Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, better known as Wat Khaek. This photo collection introduces Thai people to the Gurdwara Siri Guru Singh Sabha (Sikh Temple). It impressed Samatcha the most while working on the project.

“People in the Sikh community are very nice. I had no idea that they welcome everyone regardless of race or religion. Free vegetarian food is distributed in the temple’s kitchen. Their food is so delicious. There are classrooms upstairs which open on weekends for children. Anyone can attend to learn English and Indian without charge,” said Samatcha.

“I believe the Indian community is strong because there is a centre like the Sikh temple. Many people come to volunteer at the temple even though they are rich. Some of them put visitors’ shoes in lockers or collect and wash dishes.”

Samatcha visited India the first time last year. He had had no intention of going there until his wife showed him a programme on the cities Nawalgarh and Mandawa that feature havelis, which are large historical mansions.

“I am interested in architecture and havelis are traditional mansions owned by merchant families from the past. Some parts of the cities are areas along the old Silk Road which was a trade route between Europe, Asia and China. Inside the havelis there are frescoes, mural paintings made on wet plaster.”

Samatcha enjoyed taking photographs in India a lot. He felt that Indian people were authentic. They maintain their own lifestyle.

“Because of social media, people in big cities have similar ways of life. They eat the same food, wear the same clothes and live the same lifestyle. I think it is boring. When I visit tourist attractions in big cities, I feel that everything looks the same,” explained Samatcha.

“However, I felt that Indian people were natural. They express themselves in a way that I like. I like their colours. Every place was colourful. They even sit on the floor while working. I was wowed by their colourful clothes and headscarves. They did not follow social media trends. They were free to express themselves. This made them so authentic.”

Samatcha was also delighted to visit havelis in the Shekhawati region.

“My wife and I went into some havelis and the staff explained to us that men had their business talk in a courtyard or a room and women had to stay in an area for them. There might be a small window where the women could leave food and drinks for the men. Haveli uniqueness lies in their Indian style frescoes with European techniques,” he explained.

“Some havelis display paintings of Christian saints. It is probable the owners married Europeans or are familiar with European merchants. Another interesting aspect of their urban planning is their streets, which feature straight blocks like a European city. Mandawa must have prospered in the past as a city located on a trade route.”

Samatcha travelled to many countries before, so he could easily adjust himself to the environment of India. Thai people may hear a lot of negative comments regarding Indian people, but Samatcha was comfortable around them.

“I am impressed with Indians; they are gentle and natural. I have never experienced anyone aggressive. I did not feel that I had to be careful. My guide would worry when Indian people surrounded me because I had cameras, but I was not afraid of them; I could feel that they were friendly and gentle. When they wanted me to photograph them, their poses were still natural.”

The only moment that surprised Samatcha was when he was in Jaipur where the traffic was heavy and every driver honked non-stop.

“I learned that there were signs on the back of vehicles telling drivers to honk because the honk was to warn that vehicles were moving. Thus, honking can prevent accidents, so no-one gets mad about it.”

Although Samatcha planned to exhibit his photographs outdoor, he was worried rain may cause the photographs to get wet and damaged.

“I hope the photos will not be ruined quickly since there is still rain these days. For me, the exhibition is an experiment.

“I saw a wall covered with many posters and thought if I could display my photos like this it would be cool. There is no need to put the photos in frames or worry that they will get wrinkled. If any photos get damaged, I will replace them with others. I took numerous photos; I have many replacements.”

A movement calling itself the People’s Amnesty Network has urged lawmakers to expand the scope of political amnesty bills currently being deliberated in the House to include offences under Sections 110 and 112 of the Criminal Code.

These laws concern physical harm and insults against the monarchy and members of the royal family.

The House on Sept 16 approved in principle three amnesty bills, proposed respectively by the United Thai Nation Party, the Thai Teachers for People Party, and the Bhumjaithai Party.

However, according to Natchanon Pairoj, the network’s representative who submitted a petition letter to parliament yesterday, offences under those sections have been excluded from all three drafts after nine rounds of vetting by the House committee.

Section 110 pertains to acts of physical harm or attempted violence against the Queen, the Heir-Apparent, or the Regent — offences regarded as severe crimes against the state.

Section 112, more widely known as the lese majeste law, prohibits defamation, insults, or threats against the King, Queen, Heir-Apparent or Regent. Although it involves no physical violence, it remains a serious criminal offence under Thai law.

Mr Natchanon himself was sentenced by the Appeal Court on Feb 17 to two years in prison for violating Section 112 in a case linked to the distribution of the so-called Red Book, which was deemed to contain content hostile to the royal institution. The lower court had previously acquitted him due to insufficient evidence.

“Despite its name, the ‘Social Peace Promotion Bill’ will never bring genuine reconciliation if it continues to carry double standards, granting amnesty only to selected groups of offenders while leaving others behind,” said Mr Natchanon, who is currently out on bail.

He added that several lawmakers have already submitted reserved opinions and proposed amendments to include offences under Sections 110 and 112, which could still be incorporated during the committee’s ongoing review process.

The network is calling on the three political parties with the largest number of MPs to support such proposals, he said.

Sasinan Thamnithinan, a Bangkok MP from the People’s Party (PP), who came to receive the letter, said both the PP and the Pheu Thai Party would take the group’s appeal into consideration during further deliberations of the matter.

Outrigger Hospitality Group is set to unveil its newest beachfront escape – Outrigger Phi Phi Island Resort, a five-star sanctuary where southern Thailand’s natural beauty and culture converge.

Opening in early 2026, the reimagined resort marks a defining new chapter for one of the world’s most celebrated island destinations. Set on the northern tip of Thailand’s famed Phi Phi Island, the resort overlooks a secluded white-sand beach framed by swaying palms and the emerald Andaman Sea.

Here, guests will discover an authentic sense of place – where island rhythms meet Outrigger’s signature warmth, sustainability and hospitality. Accessible only by boat, the resort feels like a secret world – a place to slow down, reconnect with nature and experience Southern Thai traditions.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a RubKwan ceremony and a handcrafted bead bracelet, symbolising well-being and good fortune that threads through the resort experience.With just 63 suites and villas, the resort embodies refined simplicity: airy, sun-washed spaces that breathe with the rhythm of the sea. Design inspiration draws from the Thai concept of ‘nit thra’ (the soul of rest), reflecting balance, calm and restoration. Interiors are adorned with handcrafted furnishings, natural textures and woven motifs that honour the Urak Lawoi sea community, creating an atmosphere that feels both grounded and graceful.

Step from a Beachfront Pool Suite directly onto the powder-soft sands of Laem Tong Beach, retreat to a Hilltop Pool Villa with a private infinity pool and sweeping views or unwind in a Family Garden Suite surrounded by lush tropical gardens. Immerse in the spirit of Phi Phi through experiences that celebrate local life and craftsmanship from private Thai cooking classes by the sea to bead-making inspired by the island’s ancient trade routes and long-tail boat picnics through Phi Phi’s tranquil mangrove channels.

At Mala Kitchen, the flavours and fragrances of southern Thailand take centre stage, guided by the traditional culinary philosophy of “samrub Thai”, the art of balance in taste, texture and meaning. The Edgewater Bar and Grill reflects this harmony through woven bamboo panels, red fishing nets and open-air architecture that pay tribute to southern Thai craftsmanship. Indulge in freshly-grilled seafood, aromatic curries and tropical cocktails while watching the colours of the Andaman shift with the setting sun.

Wellness unfolds at Zeavola Spa, where the southern Thai expression ‘Aayu man kwan yeun (a blessing for life) inspires rituals of balance and renewal. Hues of amber, jade, carnelian and obsidian echo through the serene treatment spaces, each representing healing, vitality and harmony. Younger explorers can discover the island’s wonders through the kids’ retreat and teen zone, while adventurers can dive deeper with eco-conscious island-hopping, Padi-certified dive trips and non-motorised water sports in the protected Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. Outrigger Phi Phi Island Resort joins a growing portfolio of award-winning Outrigger destinations in Koh Samui, Khao Lak and Phuket.

Robinhood, Thailand’s homegrown food delivery platform under Purple Ventures Co Ltd, expects to resume profitability next year after stepping up efforts to enhance customer loyalty and engagement through its new Robinhood Coin initiative.

Morakot Yipintsoi, chief executive of Purple Ventures, said when Robinhood announced a temporary suspension of its operations last year, the company’s losses reached 9 billion baht.

“But we have seen the business improving gradually and our losses have been declining,” she told the Bangkok Post, adding the company expects to turn things around and make a profit next year.

Formerly owned by SCB X Plc, the technology conglomerate and holding company of Siam Commercial Bank, Purple Ventures was sold to a group of investors led by Yip In Tsoi Group in September 2024 for 2 billion baht.

Regarding the company’s strategy, Ms Morakot said next year’s focus would be on launching campaigns to bring back merchants, especially small local vendors, to the platform as there are still “many potential partners in this segment”.

Free delivery codes and discount codes will remain available, though the company will ensure it does not distort the market, she said. The average order size on Robinhood is 250 baht.

Purple Ventures unveiled Robinhood Coin, a digital membership token aimed at creating the country’s first fan-based community in the food delivery industry. The scheme forms part of Robinhood’s mission to deepen user engagement and transform customer relationships beyond transactions.

Built on ApeChain, a blockchain known for transparency, speed and scalability, Robinhood Coin introduces a verifiable and secure participation ecosystem that allows users to “become part of the platform”, according to Ms Morakot.

Robinhood Coin is a mechanism designed to build a true fan community, one that goes beyond point collection, she said.

“We want users to feel ownership and belonging, to participate in shaping the future of Robinhood with us,” said Ms Morakot.

Under the programme, users earn Purple Points with every food order, with 10 points for every 100 baht spent. Once a user collects 2,000 points, they can redeem 1,000 Robinhood coins, which act as “keys” to unlock exclusive privileges.

These privileges include participation in campaign votes, members-only activities, and special events such as chef’s tables, the Food and Culture Festival, concerts, and cooking workshops.

“Robinhood is more than just a food delivery app. It’s a family of people who share the same spirit. Robinhood Coin represents membership in this journey, where every order and interaction brings us closer together,” she said.

Varit Bulakul, president of the digital asset division at Brooker Group Plc and an advisor to the project, said Robinhood Coin was inspired by Bitcoin’s principles of transparency and finite supply. Total issuance is capped at 21 million coins, with a halving mechanism that reduces new coin issuance over time — ensuring long-term sustainability and rewarding early participants.

The halving event occurs once total circulation reaches 10 million Robinhood Coins, a move designed to control new coin supply, stimulate user demand, and open opportunities for partnerships with other businesses both in Thailand and abroad.

The initiative aims to build a wider ecosystem with minimal capital outlay, positioning Robinhood Coin as a new business model that connects users, merchants, and partners through shared participation and value creation, said Mr Varit.

In the past, becoming a super-app required tens of billions of baht, but in the future the costs will be lower and the process safer, he said. Robinhood wants to pursue this goal once the community is strong enough, said Mr Varit.

The digital token aims to redefine the customer experience in Thailand’s food delivery — turning everyday transactions into meaningful community participation and paving the way for future innovations in digital engagement, he said.

Robinhood has not decided whether to list the coin on a digital asset exchange, with the current focus growing its customer base and enhancing engagement through community activities, said Ms Morakot.

User response and redemption behaviour will be evaluated 3-6 months after launch, she said.

The Commerce Ministry wants to finalise the upgraded free trade agreement (FTA) between Thailand and Peru by the end of this year.

On Monday, Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun met with Cecilia Zunilda Galarreta Bazán, Peru’s ambassador to Thailand, to discuss enhancing economic, trade and investment collaboration between the two nations.

She said both sides are committed to expediting the negotiations for the upgraded FTA, aiming to conclude significant details by year-end.

Mrs Suphajee said modernising the existing FTA, which has been effective for more than 20 years, will unlock new trade and investment opportunities for entrepreneurs in sectors such as agricultural products, processed food, automotive, machinery and the creative industry.

The upgraded agreement is expected to bolster supply chain connections and enhance the movement of goods between Asia and South America.

The ambassador noted Peru’s readiness for foreign investment, citing the opening of Chancay Port in November 2024, which is expected to become a logistics hub along the Pacific Ocean for South America, supporting increased trade between Asia and South America.

Ms Bazán said this development will facilitate Thai entrepreneurs’ market expansion into South America.

Both sides have agreed to extend their collaborations through trade and investment promotion activities, which include participation in major international fairs in Thailand such as Bangkok Gems and Jewelry, Thaifex-Anuga Asia, Thaifex-Horec Asia and other business matching activities.

Furthermore, Mrs Suphajee said Thailand intends to promote tourism, culture, food and fashion, aiming to create closer ties between people of both countries.

From January to August, bilateral trade reached US$362 million, with Thailand’s exports to Peru totalling $276 million.

Key exports are automotive, peripherals and auto parts; canned seafood and processed seafood; and washing machines and parts.

Imports were valued at $86.3 million, with key products including fresh, chilled, frozen, processed and semi-finished seafood; metal ore and scrap metal; and vegetable and fruit products.

The Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry will amend the second version of the emergency decree on the prevention and suppression of technology crime to allow Thai authorities to act against suspected sources of cross-border online scams by using white-hat hackers and proactive measures to address scam activities targeting Thailand.

Meanwhile, the country will closely collaborate with Unesco and the European Union to oversee digital platforms in terms of tax collection, sales transaction fees, and misinformation.

The second version of the law took effect on April this year, while the first version was enacted in 2023.

DES Minister Chaichanok Chidchob said the new decree is expected to come into force within the next four months.

“The revision is aimed at allowing us to conduct cyberwarfare against criminals in other countries,” Mr Chaichanok said after presiding over the opening of the Asean-Unesco Multistakeholder Forum on the Governance of Digital Platforms.

The event, which got underway in Bangkok on Monday and ends later on Wednesday, is being co-hosted by the DES Ministry, in collaboration with the Asean Secretariat, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco), and the Global Initiative on the Future of the Internet under the European University Institute.

Mr Chaichanok said several countries, including Japan, have rolled out cyberdefence acts that allow them to proactively deal with cross- border crime.

“We will take aggressive action in coordinating with relevant authorities such as telecom regulators, mobile operators, banks, and the police to trace IP addresses and suspicious accounts, share data across agencies to identify scam compounds, and authorise white-hat hackers to counter attack the scammers,” he said.

Mr Chaichanok said the ministry will also take proactive measures to suppress online scams through the recently established Technology Crime Prevention Suppression Committee chaired by the prime minister.

He said the cabinet has endorsed the anti-online scam efforts as a national agenda item.

Later this month, Thailand will sign the UN Convention Against Cybercrime in Hanoi, Vietnam. The convention will come into force once 40 member states ratify it.

This convention is the first global treaty concerning cybercrime, and it is designed to strengthen cooperation, harmonise legal standards, and aid cross-border efforts against cyberthreats.

Mr Chaichanok said the rapid expansion of digital platforms brings growing risks driven by fast-moving technologies, algorithms operating as “black boxes”, the harvesting of user data, and the widespread diffusion of scams, misinformation and abuse.

Governments face threats that cross national borders, emphasising that no single country or sector can tackle these issues independently.

Cybercrime has been underestimated and has taken root quite deeply, affecting the livelihoods and well-being of the people, Mr Chaichanok noted.

The governance of digital platforms must be rooted in shared principles, multi-stakeholder participation, and collective action, he said.

Governance requires engagement from industry, civil society, and citizens to reflect Asean’s aspiration for transparency, fairness, accountability and online safety, said Mr Chaichanok.

The forum in Bangkok is timely for making digital platforms safe spaces and fostering digital resilience and efficiency, he said.

Mr Chaichanok said Thailand, working alongside Asean, Unesco, and the EU, is advancing a joint programme on digital platform governance, beginning with a focus on combatting online scams.

Scams are destructive, as they not only cause damage but also erode inclusion and imperil the digital economy.

The Asean Working Group on anti-online scams was established in 2024 and the Bangkok digital declaration was endorsed at the fifth Asean Digital Ministers’ meeting in January 2025.

These milestones signalled Asean’s recognition of the need for dialogue followed by action.

The future goal, linked to the draft Asean digital economy framework and Asean digital master plan 2030, is to see a digital ecosystem that is registered and accountable.

Prabhat Agarwal, acting director for online platforms: society at the European Commission’s directorate-general for communications networks, content and technology, said the EU had experience in regulating the online platform economy through the Digital Services Act, and had invested pound 14 million in the European Center for Algorithmic Transparency (ECAT) to recruit top data scientists and analyse platform algorithms that included preventing the sale of non-compliant goods in online marketplaces.

“The EU will learn and work with Unesco and Asean and deepen shared understanding of digital regulations while advocating for global collaboration to build centres like ECAT,” he said.

The death of a South Korean student, reportedly lured to Cambodia by a scam gang, should be a wake-up call for members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) to push for more collaboration in tackling such vicious crimes.

Leaders from 10 Asean member countries are going to meet in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, at the 47th Asean Summit from Oct 26-28. Since Southeast Asia is regarded as a hotspot for scammers, Malaysia — as the host — should place the issue on the agenda.

Victims across the region and beyond have been suffering from financial losses, psychological trauma, and in many cases, physical harm. The recent death of the 22-year-old South Korean surnamed Park, at the hands of a Cambodian-based gang, underscores the urgency of coordinated action.

Year after year, the Asean Summit has focused on recurring issues such as the political and democratic crisis in Myanmar and territorial disputes in the South China Sea, various human rights issues and Asean connectivity.

Some of these issues may be resolved, while others remain unaddressed due to Asean’s non-interference policy in the internal affairs of member states.

However, it’s high time that Asean member states this year adopted a more flexible approach to the non-interference policy and come together to tackle the scam crisis collectively. As citizens across Asean and around the world are being affected by this issue, it requires a united response.

What the Asean Summit must do is to help establish a regional task force to tackle cybercrime, which can enter any Asean country should the need arise.

Secondly, Asean must help create a central channel to enhance intelligence sharing on the issue of international call scammers.

Thirdly, Asean must help put pressure on the Cambodian authorities to take decisive action against scammers. Indeed, Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet must take responsibility for failing to address the scam problem seriously, allowing criminal groups to establish scam operations within the country and deceive foreign nationals, many of them Thais, into working under coercion and abuse if they refuse to comply.

Fourthly, Asean must put in place a mechanism for protecting victims. Asean leaders should discuss the issue extensively at the summit in coordinating repatriation, rehabilitation programmes and witness protection for scam victims based on need.

Lastly, Asean must together strengthen its legal frameworks. They should discuss ways to harmonise laws across Asean to ensure scammers face consistent penalties and cannot exploit jurisdictional loopholes.

To effectively address the scam crisis, Asean should seek more cooperation from other countries participating in this summit and foster broader international collaboration.

Asean Plus Three, which includes the 10 Asean member countries plus China, Japan, and South Korea, and Asean Plus Six, which adds Australia, India, and New Zealand to the Plus Three group, can become two international forums for Asean to work closely together to launch an aggressive crackdown on scam syndicates. Asean must act decisively on the matter.

As for Thailand, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul should use the summit to urge Asean leaders to transform the region’s shared frustration into unified action.

Thailand has been directly affected by scam operations in both Cambodia and Myanmar, so we must take a more proactive role in driving efforts to address the issue.

I agree that Mr Anutin has already made scam suppression a cornerstone of Thailand’s foreign policy, linking it to peace negotiations with Cambodia.

However, more needs to be done at the summit. Mr Anutin should propose a binding Asean resolution on scam suppression, positioning Thailand as a regional leader in digital security.

He should call on Cambodia to publicly disclose its efforts to shut down scam centres and prosecute offenders. He should forge alliances by strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation, especially with South Korea and the United States, which have expressed deep concern over the issue.

Furthermore, Mr Anutin should highlight Thailand’s recent arrests and enforcement actions to demonstrate commitment and build trust, urging Asean to assist scam victims, including legal aid and psychological support.

The Asean summit next week could be a turning point — if Asean leaders, especially Mr Anutin, choose courage over complacency to tackle international call scams.