Thailand Boosts Anti-Scam Efforts with Enhanced Government Data Linkage

Mr. Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DE), expressed confidence that the Royal Decree on the Disclosure of Personal Information Controlled by Government Agencies to Other Government Agencies B.E. 2569, which came into effect on June 30, 2569, will enhance the effectiveness of preventing and suppressing online criminal activities, particularly by "scammers." This decree facilitates the integration and exchange of information among government agencies regarding personal data linked to criminal organizations, corruption, human trafficking, and online fraud. Previously, the DE Ministry has integrated data with five agencies: the Royal Thai Police, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), the Bank of Thailand (BOT), and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Financial institutions and business operators are required to disclose and exchange transaction account information of individuals associated with "scammers" under Section 4 of the Royal Decree on Measures to Prevent and Suppress Technology Crimes. This information is used in conjunction with relevant agencies such as the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and banks to formulate preventive and suppressive measures. As a result of this data integration among the aforementioned five agencies and related bodies, the value of damages caused by "scammers" has decreased. In June 2569, the total damage value was approximately 530 million baht, a decrease of 1,581 million baht, or about 74.89%, from March 2569, which recorded approximately 2,111 million baht. This represents a reduction over a four-month period. "Once the Royal Decree on Government Data Linkage is in effect, it will be a crucial mechanism for the DE Ministry and related agencies to integrate with other government bodies, such as customs data, revenue department data, Ministry of Finance data, and legal entity registration data from the Department of Business Development, Ministry of Commerce, etc.," the minister stated. "This will significantly enhance our ability to prevent and suppress scammers, reduce the value of damages, and ensure timely recovery of funds for the public." This data linkage will be conducted under strict personal data security measures compliant with international cybersecurity standards. Concurrently, the inter-agency data linkage is expected to elevate the quality of public services, enable the formulation of welfare policies precisely targeted at specific groups, increase transparency, improve law enforcement efficiency, and contribute to economic policy formulation and the enhancement of the country's competitiveness.