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Thailand Calls for Regional Action Against Online Scams Ahead of ASEAN Meeting

Published

2 months ago

January 3, 2025

Wadi

Upcoming ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting to Address Anti-Scam Initiatives

Thailand is taking proactive measures to combat online scams by urging ASEAN member countries to strengthen their collective efforts against this growing issue. The ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting, scheduled for January 13-17 in Bangkok, aims to secure commitments from member nations to enhance anti-scam strategies.

Ministerial Participation and Focus Areas

Key Attendees and Dialogue Partners

The meeting will gather digital ministers from the 10 ASEAN nations, along with ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn and representatives from dialogue partners, including China, Japan, South Korea, the United States, India, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This diverse participation underscores the importance of international collaboration in tackling online threats.

Assessment of Current Efforts

During the meeting, participants will evaluate the progress of the ASEAN Working Group on Anti-Online Scams, which Thailand chairs. The focus will be on assessing the effectiveness of existing measures and discussing additional strategies to improve the region’s response to online scams.

Bangkok Digital Declaration: A Comprehensive Framework

Certification of Anti-Online Scam Recommendations

A significant outcome expected from the meeting is the approval of the Bangkok Digital Declaration, which will include a certification of ASEAN Recommendations on Anti-Online Scams. This declaration aims to establish a unified approach to combatting online fraud across member states.

Themes of Digital Security and Innovation

The theme for this year’s meeting is “Secure, Innovative, Inclusive: Shaping ASEAN’s Digital Future.” This reflects a commitment to creating a safe digital environment while fostering innovation and ensuring equitable access to technology for all citizens.

Thailand’s Legislative Measures Against Cybercrime

Amendments to Cybercrime Legislation

In addition to regional efforts, Thailand is working on amending a 2023 executive decree aimed at preventing cybercrime. Proposed changes include stricter penalties for online scams, financial compensation for victims, and increased responsibilities for banks and mobile operators in preventing fraud.

Focus on Digital Assets and Online Transactions

The amendments will also address online transactions related to digital assets, highlighting the need for comprehensive regulations as digital transactions become more prevalent.

A Unified Approach to Combatting Online Scams

As Thailand prepares for the upcoming ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting, the emphasis on combating online scams reflects a growing recognition of the need for regional cooperation in addressing digital threats. By fostering collaboration among member states and implementing robust legislative measures, Thailand aims to create a safer digital landscape for its citizens and visitors alike. The outcomes of this meeting could set a precedent for how ASEAN countries tackle cybercrime in the future.

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Thailand Cracks Down: Employers Must Secure Migrant Work Permits by March 30, 2025

Published

10 hours ago

March 16, 2025

Wadi

On March 15, 2025, Thailand’s government issued a stern reminder to employers: ensure your registered migrant workers have proper work permits by March 30, or face severe penalties, including deportation of workers and hefty fines. This urgent call aims to tighten labor regulations and protect the legal status of migrants across the country.

Deadline Looms for Migrant Work Permits

Deputy Government Spokesman Kharom Polpornklang emphasized that employers who’ve listed their migrant workers with the Department of Labour online must finalize the permit process before the cutoff. Time’s ticking—failure to comply will strip workers of their legal standing, triggering a cascade of consequences for both employees and employers alike.

What Employers Need to Do

To meet the requirements, employers must submit key documents by March 30: health certificates, proof of health insurance, social security paperwork, and a 1,000-baht fee per worker. It’s a straightforward process, but the stakes are high. Completing it ensures workers can legally stay and work in Thailand until March 31, 2026, with biometric data collection sealing the deal post-approval.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Miss the deadline, and the fallout is harsh. Undocumented workers will be deemed illegal, facing fines between 5,000 and 50,000 baht, followed by deportation and a two-year ban from employment in Thailand. Employers aren’t off the hook either—hiring undocumented migrants post-deadline could cost them 10,000 to 100,000 baht per worker, plus a three-year ban on hiring migrants. The government isn’t playing around with this crackdown.

Why It Matters Now

This push reflects Thailand’s broader effort to regulate its migrant workforce, a vital cog in industries like construction, agriculture, and hospitality. With legal status on the line, employers are urged to act fast to avoid disruptions and protect their operations. For workers, it’s a chance to secure stability in a country that relies heavily on their labor.

Act Before It’s Too Late

The clock is counting down to March 30, 2025. Employers have a narrow window to get migrant work permits in order—or risk losing their workforce and facing steep penalties. Don’t wait until it’s too late; compliance now means a smoother, legal future for all involved.

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Thailand Unveils Cutting-Edge Human Verification to Combat AI Fraud in 2025

Published

10 hours ago

March 16, 2025

Wadi

On March 15, 2025, Thailand took a bold leap into the future of digital security with the launch of World’s proof of human technology, a groundbreaking system designed to distinguish real people from bots in an increasingly AI-dominated online world. This innovative tool promises to bolster trust, enhance privacy, and shield Thais from the rising tide of AI-driven scams.

A New Era of Digital Trust Begins

Teaming up with the Thailand International Digital Business & Finance Centre (TIDC), the rollout kicks off with three accessible locations in Bangkok: the World flagship at Emsphere’s first floor, NT Service Centre Chaengwattana, and NT Service Centre Pathumwan. This marks the initial phase of a broader expansion across Thailand, launched at a critical moment. Last year, the nation faced over 168 million scam attempts—a staggering doubling from 2023—fueled by AI-powered fraud, deepfakes, and fake identities. World’s technology offers a timely, privacy-focused fix to verify human users without compromising personal data.

Tackling the AI Fraud Epidemic

As artificial intelligence evolves, so do the challenges of separating genuine humans from bots online—a global issue hitting Thailand hard. Over the past 13 months, online fraud has drained 42 billion baht ($1.2 billion) from the country, driven by AI tricks like deepfake voices and synthetic media. Traditional verification methods, which often demand personal info, fall short against these sophisticated threats. World’s proof of human technology steps in with a fresh approach, using advanced cryptography to confirm humanness securely and anonymously, setting a new benchmark for digital safety in 2025.

Privacy-First Innovation for All

“Thailand’s digital landscape is thriving, with over 52 million social media users relying on online platforms daily,” said Wai Man Raymond Chu, TIDC’s Executive Director. “But with that comes vulnerability. Our partnership with World delivers a solution that lets people prove they’re real without risking their privacy, keeping Thailand a leader in secure digital progress.” Unlike older systems, this technology skips data collection, leaning on zero-knowledge proofs and biometric checks to block AI impersonation while keeping users in control.

Empowering Thais in the Digital Economy

Beyond fighting fraud, World’s proof of human service aims to weave Thais deeper into the digital economy. It opens doors to over 100 Mini Apps—think educational tools, games, and community hubs—while offering verified users an optional perk: a one-time grant of Worldcoin tokens (WLD), claimable monthly for a year. “We’re thrilled to bring this to Thailand, where AI fraud is a pressing issue,” said Thiri Myint, Asia Pacific Regional Manager at Tools For Humanity, a core contributor to World. “It’s a step toward a safer, more inclusive online future.”

How to Get Started Today

Starting March 15, 2025, Thais can visit the three Bangkok hubs to sign up. More locations are slated to roll out as demand grows. This launch isn’t just about security—it’s about building a digital Thailand where trust and privacy coexist, empowering users to thrive amid AI’s rapid rise. Don’t wait to join the revolution in human authentication.

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Thai PM Sets Stage for Historic Royal Visit to Bhutan in 2025

Published

10 hours ago

March 16, 2025

Wadi

On March 15, 2025, Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra laid the groundwork for a landmark state visit by Their Majesties the King and Queen to Bhutan, marking a significant moment in bilateral relations. The meeting, held at Government House, signals a strengthening of ties between the two nations, blending diplomacy, culture, and economic promise.

A Milestone Royal Journey

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra welcomed Bhutanese Ambassador Kinzang Dorji on Friday to finalize preparations for the royal visit, the first of its kind in King Rama X’s reign. Invited by Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Their Majesties’ trip is poised to deepen the historic friendship between Thailand and Bhutan. Joined by Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and Secretary-General Prommin Lertsuridej, the prime minister emphasized Thailand’s full commitment to ensuring a seamless visit, with both nations’ agencies collaborating closely.

Strengthening Bonds Across Borders

Deputy Government Spokesperson Sasikarn Watthanachan hailed the visit as a catalyst for enhanced diplomatic and cultural ties. “This is a historic first for King Rama X’s reign,” she said, noting its potential to foster greater understanding and exchange between the two Buddhist-majority countries. The talks underscored Thailand’s role as a vital partner for Bhutan, especially in healthcare, education, and tourism, where Thais already welcome many Bhutanese visitors.

Economic Horizons in Focus

The meeting wasn’t just about ceremony—it also spotlighted economic collaboration. A key highlight was the Thailand-Bhutan Free Trade Agreement (FTA), now in its final stages after a successful fourth round of negotiations. Set to be signed at next month’s Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) Summit in Thailand—attended by Bhutan’s prime minister—the FTA promises to boost trade and investment. Ambassador Dorji called Thailand a cornerstone trading partner, a sentiment echoed by the prime minister’s pledge to support the deal’s rollout.

Gelephu Mindfulness City: A New Frontier

Another hot topic was Bhutan’s ambitious Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), a smart city project poised to link South Asia and Southeast Asia. The ambassador pitched it as a future economic powerhouse, and Ms. Paetongtarn expressed keen interest in Thailand’s potential role. “We’re ready to explore investment opportunities where our expertise can shine,” she said, signaling openness to studying GMC’s regulations and policies further. This could mark a bold step in regional connectivity.

A Shared Future Awaits

As preparations accelerate, this royal visit stands to be more than a diplomatic formality—it’s a bridge to richer cultural ties and economic growth. With Thailand and Bhutan aligning on trade, tourism, and innovative projects like GMC, 2025 could herald a new chapter of prosperity for both nations. The stage is set, and all eyes are on this historic journey across the Himalayas.