Thailand orders stronger cyber defences amid daily attack attempts
The national security chief says attackers are increasingly using AI to find weaknesses, while the central bank has assured authorities that banking systems remain secure.
Thai authorities have ordered agencies to tighten cybersecurity and prepare for major incidents as government bodies, banks and critical infrastructure face attempted attacks daily, National Security Council (NSC) Secretary-General Gen Chaipruak Doungprapat said.
Following an NSC meeting chaired by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Gen Chaipruak said Thailand’s digital defences remained effective. However, attackers were increasingly deploying artificial intelligence to examine networks and locate weaknesses, complicating efforts to protect systems.
Gen Chaipruak said agencies had been told to put cybersecurity precautions at the highest level and develop plans for severe disruptions. Thailand was also examining other countries’ experiences to refine its defences and crisis procedures.
Routine monitoring and prevention fall to the National Cyber Security Agency and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, he said. Responsibility would move to the NSC during a major cyber crisis.
The central bank had assured authorities that banking services remained secure and fully operational, Gen Chaipruak said. Banks had been directed to respond immediately to irregularities to protect depositors’ money and avoid interruptions for customers.
He also outlined plans for an NSC operations centre to assess security developments and coordinate responses with public agencies, businesses and relevant networks. The digital ministry will hold a stakeholder workshop to assess staffing, technology and cybersecurity needs.
Anutin said the meeting reviewed crisis readiness but did not formally consider a proposed 72-hour response plan. He described it as guidance from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and said people could carry on with normal activities.
