Launching a 24-Hour Cyber War Room
Monitoring Digital Threats in Real Time
Thai authorities have activated a round-the-clock cyber war room to counter potential cyberattacks stemming from the escalating Thai-Cambodian border dispute. The initiative, announced by Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, aims to safeguard critical digital infrastructure and maintain public trust amid rising tensions, ensuring robust surveillance of both physical and online threats.
Detecting Cambodian Hacker Activity
Thwarting DDoS Attack Attempts
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has identified attempts by hackers, allegedly from Cambodian sources, to launch distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks on Thai government websites. These attacks aim to overwhelm servers and disrupt online services, but the ministry reports no significant damage so far, thanks to proactive monitoring and rapid response measures to neutralize the threats.
Collaborative Defense Efforts
Partnering with Military and Cyber Agencies
The ministry is working closely with the Royal Thai Armed Forces and the National Cyber Security Agency to fortify defenses against cyber intrusions. This collaboration ensures a coordinated approach to protecting government websites and other critical systems. Minister Prasert, also a deputy prime minister, emphasized that the situation remains under control, with ongoing efforts to strengthen cybersecurity protocols.
Combating Disinformation Campaigns
Addressing False Narratives Online
A surge in disinformation, including false claims about Thai military losses or Cambodian territorial gains, has been traced to sources linked to the border conflict. The ministry is actively countering these narratives by issuing clarifications and blocking misleading content on digital platforms, aiming to curb the spread of fake news that could inflame tensions or mislead the public.
Ensuring Accurate Public Information
Promoting Transparency Amid Crisis
The Digital Economy and Society Ministry is committed to providing accurate information to Thai citizens, countering harmful deepfakes, hate speech, and other malicious online activities. By maintaining vigilant oversight of digital spaces, authorities are working to ensure the public receives reliable updates, fostering trust and stability during the ongoing border crisis.
Strengthening National Cyber Resilience
Preparing for Escalating Threats
As the Thai-Cambodian conflict fuels cyber warfare, Thailand is enhancing its cybersecurity framework to address both immediate and long-term threats. The war room’s 24-hour operations reflect a proactive stance against evolving digital challenges, ensuring that government systems remain secure and public confidence is upheld in the face of regional unrest.