PUBLISHED: 18 Jan 2025 at 06:02
State agencies convened on Friday to develop urgent strategies aimed at combating the escalating issue of online fraud and call centre scams. The meeting involved key representatives from various organizations, including law enforcement and technology oversight bodies.
Discussions led by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) focused on introducing a biometrics system for SIM card registration to minimize fraudulent data usage. Measures to limit SIM card registrations for foreign nationals to three cards per operator were also proposed, requiring valid passport verification during the signup process.
Law enforcement suggested enhancing caller ID systems to display the names and numbers of incoming calls, thereby increasing difficulty for fraudsters trying to deceive the public.
Additionally, new measures by the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) were introduced, recommending that large transactions of 50,000 baht or more should occur through mobile networks incorporating facial recognition for verification.
NBTC commissioner Pol Gen Nathathorn Prousoontorn highlighted the significant number of SIM cards seized from fraudulent operations, many of which were registered under false pretenses by foreigners.
The gathering also explored incoming proposals for further NBTC regulations, including the implementation of a biometric registration system and restrictions on SIM card ownership for foreigners.
“These initiatives aim to hinder fraudulent activities and enhance the efficiency of law enforcement,” stated Pol Gen Nathathorn.
In a broader context, the Digital Economy and Society Ministry is engaging with neighboring countries to curb scam calls. This follows an incident where Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra nearly fell victim to a sophisticated AI-generated phone scam that imitated a foreign leader’s voice requesting a donation.
Emphasizing regional cooperation, Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong noted the importance of collective action among ASEAN nations to combat transnational online fraud during the 5th ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting held recently in Bangkok.
In related global discussions, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged Southeast Asian nations to adopt robust measures against online gambling and telecom fraud, calling on all relevant countries to take action.
