Thailand’s government is ramping up efforts to combat the growing menace of online scams, a problem that has increasingly targeted working women, who comprise 64% of the victims. This crackdown comes amid alarming statistics revealing the scale and severity of cybercrime affecting the nation’s digital landscape.
On July 19, 2025, Mr. Anukul Phrueksanusak, Deputy Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister's Office, disclosed a detailed report from the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) highlighting the surge in online fraud cases throughout 2024. According to the report, there were over 3,381 reported incidents of online scams, ranging from fraudulent investment schemes and impersonation of celebrities to the sale of counterfeit products and the creation of fake financial institution pages. These illicit activities caused financial losses exceeding 19 billion baht within just one year.
Complementing ETDA’s findings, the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) reported more than 400,000 cybercrime cases in 2024 alone, with damages surpassing 60 billion baht. The first half of 2025 saw a continuation of this troubling trend, with 166,000 cases reported, over half of which involved scams related to online shopping platforms. The data clearly indicates that digital users, especially working women, are the primary targets of these criminal enterprises.
"The high percentage of working women falling victim to online scams reflects the vulnerability of regular digital users," Mr. Anukul emphasized. This demographic’s active engagement in online transactions has unfortunately made them prime targets for cybercriminals exploiting the digital economy’s rapid growth.
In response, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has intensified regulatory oversight of digital platforms. Platforms identified as posing significant risks are now classified as "high-risk platforms," subjecting them to stricter legal obligations and penalties for non-compliance. This move aims to ensure that service providers take greater responsibility for the content and transactions occurring on their sites.
Supporting these measures, ETDA recently issued Announcement No. DP. 4/2568, which came into effect on July 10, 2025. This legal directive mandates digital platform services, particularly those operating as online marketplaces, to comply with Article 20 of the Digital Platform Service Business Act B.E. 2568. The legislation requires platforms to notify authorities and adhere to enhanced governance standards designed to safeguard consumers from fraudulent activities.
The government has also instructed all relevant agencies to work collaboratively, integrating their efforts to prevent and tackle online scams systematically. This approach spans from policy formulation to operational execution, ensuring a comprehensive framework that addresses the multifaceted nature of cybercrime.
Central to this strategy is reinforcing the accountability of digital platform operators for content hosted on their systems. By holding these platforms responsible, authorities aim to reduce the prevalence of scams and protect users more effectively.
Public awareness campaigns are also underway, urging citizens to exercise caution and verify information before conducting any online transactions. The government encourages anyone who encounters suspicious activity to report it promptly through the dedicated hotline 1441 or via the official website www.thaipoliceonline.com.
This concerted crackdown reflects a broader recognition of how cybercrime undermines public trust and economic stability. With digital commerce becoming an integral part of everyday life, safeguarding users—especially vulnerable groups like working women—is paramount.
The statistics paint a stark picture: millions of baht lost, hundreds of thousands of cases reported, and a growing community of victims. Yet, the government’s proactive stance, including legal reforms and enhanced enforcement, signals a determined effort to turn the tide against online fraud.
As technology evolves, so do the tactics of cybercriminals. The challenge lies in staying one step ahead, ensuring that digital platforms are not just facilitators of commerce but also guardians of consumer safety.
For Thailand’s working women and the broader digital community, this initiative offers hope that the government’s intensified vigilance will translate into safer online environments and fewer victims in the future.
