A Thai member of parliament is calling on the government to establish a working group to assess the potential impacts of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity from major providers. This initiative comes as concerns grow over the potential use of these satellites by call centre gangs operating near Thailand’s borders to maintain their internet connectivity.
Despite ongoing efforts to sever these gangs’ internet access, which is primarily facilitated through ground-based telecom networks, the government is urged to monitor LEO satellite networks from OneWeb and Starlink, both of which possess extensive global coverage.
Takorn Tantasith, a representative from the Thai Sang Thai Party and former secretary-general of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, asserts that OneWeb’s network includes 648 satellites, effectively covering vast territories, including Thailand.
In addition, Mr. Tantasith noted that Starlink operates 6,000 satellites, providing coverage that extends across North America, South America, Europe, Australia, Japan, Kenya, Nigeria, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and throughout Thailand.
Starlink utilizes Ka and Ku frequency bands, enabling high-frequency communication that supports signal-receiving dishes and portable internet devices. Mr. Tantasith emphasized that even when ground-based internet connections are disrupted, satellite links remain accessible to those in bordering countries.
“The government must take immediate action to investigate the implications of these LEO satellites,” he stated.
He commended government efforts that have included the shutdown of electricity and ground-based internet signals in border regions, alongside halting oil sales to combat the proliferation of call centre gangs.
In a notable crackdown last year, the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry, along with collaborating agencies, confiscated 58 sets of Starlink satellite equipment intended for illicit high-speed internet access.
DIGITAL Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong reported that efforts to curb online criminal activity, particularly through the dismantling of unauthorized cell signal towers and cross-border cables, have forced criminal groups to adapt their tactics in response to increased scrutiny and enforcement.
Parliamentary action: Addressing internet connections for criminal gangs
