Bangkok: The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is discussing with all operators to limit telecommunications signal coverage, reduce cross-border transmission power, and control foreign IP addresses used for money transfers to curb online fraud, as the government has declared a national agenda.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Trirat Viriyasirikul, Acting Secretary-General of the NBTC, revealed that he has convened a meeting of all telecommunications licensees to scrutinize procedures for combating technology crimes, or “scammers,” as the government has designated a national agenda. This action is part of government policy, under which the Prime Minister has appointed the Technology Crime Suppression and Prevention Committee (TCPSC) to integrate the work of all relevant agencies, including security, finance, and telecommunications, to combat online threats affecting citizens nationwide.

The NBTC has ordered all telecommunications service providers to limit the range of mobile phone signals to avoid crossing the borders of neighboring countries and reduce the power of signal towers to prevent the use of Thai signals for cybercrime, such as fraudulent calls or money transfers through foreign mule accounts. Internet service providers have also been ordered to monitor and control the use of IP addresses connecting from overseas that are suspected of being used for fraudulent activities, and to cooperate with security agencies and financial institutions to track transaction flows to systematically block any potential wrongdoing.

Regarding the control of IP addresses from overseas, Mr. Trirat stated that this is an important measure to prevent online financial crimes. This is because Thai IP accounts located abroad are used to connect to domestic banking systems, making it difficult to detect by forging transactions or fraudulently transferring money through mobile banking and internet banking. The NBTC is therefore coordinating with internet service providers and relevant agencies to restrict the use of IP addresses originating overseas, which are suspected of being used for fraudulent activities. The NBTC is also monitoring the transfer and receipt of funds from overseas to accounts in Thailand to ensure prompt identification and cessation of suspicious transactions.

At the same time, telecommunications operators have been urged to increase strictness in scrutiny of SMS messages containing links or appearing to encourage money transfers to prevent fraud. This includes expedited detection and immediate suspension of messages from suspicious sources. All measures are implemented in accordance with government policy, which places the highest importance on protecting citizens from online threats and building confidence in the country’s telecommunications system. The NBTC will closely monitor and evaluate the performance of service providers to ensure these measures are tangible.