Bangkok: The government is advancing the DPS law to regulate digital platforms and protect consumers from rising online fraud cases. The initiative comes after findings revealed that 64% of working-age women have been victims of such fraud.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Anukul Prueksanusak, deputy government spokesman, stated that the government, via the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA), reported over 3,381 cases of fraudulent advertising in 2024. These cases included investment fraud, celebrity impersonation, selling fake products, and impersonating financial institutions, resulting in damages exceeding 19 billion baht in one year. Furthermore, the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) reported that more than 400,000 cybercrime cases were recorded in 2024, with total damages surpassing 60 billion baht. In the first half of 2025, 166,000 reports were filed, with over 50% related to online trading, predominantly affecting working-age women.

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has increased its oversight, warning that platforms identified as ‘high-risk’ may face additional legal obligations and penalties. Recently, the ETDA issued an announcement, No. ThorPor. 4/2568, mandating digital platform services in the product marketplace category to comply with Section 20 of the Digital Platform Service Business Act.

Mr. Anukul emphasized the government’s directive for agencies to collaborate in preventing online fraud, especially through the DPS Act. The act establishes a comprehensive mechanism from policy to implementation, enhancing the responsibility of digital platform providers. He urged the public to verify information before online transactions and report suspicious activities via the Online Crime Operations Center hotline or website.