9 November 2020 – The Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have signed an agreement to establish a platform for stakeholders in Thailand to discuss the cybercrime situation in the country and to consider a long-term whole-of-government response to the challenge.

 

In his remarks at the signing, the Executive Director of the TIJ, Prof. Dr. Kittipong Kittayarak, highlighted that the advancement of technology can be provide benefits and cause problems that need to be managed. While new technology and innovation offer opportunities and possibly solutions for crime prevention and criminal justice, cyber space transcends borders and can facilitate crime. He also noted that with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic Thailand saw an escalation of online crime. 

Prof. Dr. Kittayarak at the same time recognized the need for collective efforts from all stakeholders in to address these emerging threats. 

 

“Organized crime groups have been quick to capitalize on technology to facilitate transnational crimes including trafficking of different commodities, as well as financial crimes”, remarked Jeremy Douglas, UNODC Regional Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific. He added, “Diplomacy is required with policy advice and capacity building, along with discussion of current and prospective threats and challenges. A strategic partnership with the TIJ will help officials and institutions in Thailand prepare for the challenges they face today and in the future.” 

 

 

 

TIJ and UNODC both recognize that Thailand needs to adopt a comprehensive strategy to address  current and future threats of cybercrime, and as a result it is necessary to have a clear understanding of the issues and threats and capacities to address it. Both organizations are cooperating to strengthen Thailand`s whole-of-government response to cybercrime through the implementation of a series of activities including: a stocktaking exercise and roundtable discussion on the assessment of the national cybercrime situation; raising awareness of high level government officials and senior managers on digital opportunities and risks to Thailand’s economy and society; and training to create a national pool of specialized trainers that will become “agents of change” on cybercrime.

 

The agreement is considered a first phase of a multi-year program that will ultimately help advance  cooperation among national agencies and ensure a government-wide understanding,  while creating a pool of mentors and trainers.