Thailand Leads ASEAN in Driving the Digital Future: Tackling Online Scams and Enhancing Cybersecurity

Thailand Leads ASEAN in Driving the Digital Future: Tackling Online Scams and Enhancing Cybersecurity At the 5th ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting: Towards a Safe and Sustainable Digital Future

The 5th ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting (ADGMIN) was held from January 16–17, 2025, in Bangkok, chaired by Mr. Prasert Chantrarawongthong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society. Representatives from ASEAN member states and dialogue partners participated in the event.

Mr. Prasert stated that this meeting serves as a crucial platform to strengthen digital cooperation in the ASEAN region, aiming to drive a secure and sustainable digital economy and society. The meeting discussed and endorsed key issues, including:

1. Combating Online Scams: The meeting approved the ASEAN Online Scam Survey Report (2023–2024) and its recommendations as guidelines for national and regional actions. It also promoted cross-sector collaboration to systematically address this issue, especially scams originating from border countries, such as phone scams and the use of social media as tools for financial fraud. These are often linked to perpetrators in neighboring countries like Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos. Discussions emphasized the importance of information exchange between countries and capacity building for officials in border areas. Additionally, member states proposed developing a joint early warning system to help mitigate the impact of scams in the region.
2. Cybersecurity: The establishment of the ASEAN CERT in Singapore was acknowledged, and the ASEAN Checklist on Cyberspace Norms was approved to set cybersecurity standards in the region. The goal is to reduce risks from cyberattacks that could affect the economy and public safety. Support was also given for establishing coordination units to respond promptly to cyber incidents.
3. Digital Economy: Support was expressed for developing the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) to accelerate digital transformation and enhance cooperation in cybersecurity and online scam prevention. The meeting discussed ways to promote investment in digital startups and related technologies to stimulate economic growth in the region.

4. Data Governance and Artificial Intelligence (AI): The Global CBPR Action Plan and AI governance documents, including those covering Generative AI, were approved to promote responsible AI development in the region, focusing on transparency and personal data protection. Efforts will also be made to drive research and development of AI innovations that align with the needs of the people in the region.
5. 5G and Connectivity: Progress in 5G deployment was acknowledged, and discussions were held on reducing cross-border service fees, emphasizing the importance of SIM card regulation to prevent cross-border scams. This issue is of interest to many countries in the region, especially the use of unregistered SIM cards in border areas with frequent cross-border movements, such as Thailand-Cambodia and Thailand-Myanmar.
6. Bangkok Digital Declaration: This declaration was approved to set the direction for ASEAN’s digital future, focusing on security, seamless connectivity, and inclusivity. Emphasis was placed on expanding access to digital technology in rural and remote areas to ensure equal digital opportunities for all groups.

Additionally, the meeting held discussions with dialogue partners such as China, Japan, South Korea, India, the United States, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), aiming to promote digital standards and cooperation in areas like human resource development and digital infrastructure. The importance of sharing insights to combat online scams globally and developing shared practices applicable in the region was also emphasized.

Mr. Prasert added that, on this occasion, Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) were signed between Thailand and Cambodia, and Thailand and the Philippines, to promote regional digital cooperation, focusing on key issues such as digital workforce development, electronic government governance, and the prevention and combat of online scams.

• Thailand-Cambodia MOU: This cooperation between Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and Cambodia’s Ministry of Post and Telecommunications aims to strengthen relations between the two countries and develop collaboration in areas such as digital platform services, digital government products and services, digital transformation, access to digital technology, digital workforce development, online    safety, and digital scam prevention.

• Thailand-Philippines MOU: This cooperation between Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and the Philippines’ Department of Information and Communications Technology aims to promote relations based on mutual benefits and understanding, encouraging investment in digital infrastructure, electronic government governance (e.g., digital government strategies and AI utilization), digital identity verification systems, and the development of emerging technologies like cloud computing, IoT, and big data. It also emphasizes promoting cybersecurity through knowledge exchange, expertise sharing, and joint training.

The 6th ADGMIN will be held in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in 2026, with member countries committed to continuing cooperation to build a strong and sustainable digital region.