The government is set to unveil a groundbreaking law designed to combat technology-related crimes and provide swifter relief to victims, Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong announced on Monday. Highlighting an urgent need for legal measures, he revealed that the law will help deal decisively with soaring tech crimes—a special law agreed upon in a recent committee meeting focused on suppressing and preventing such activities.
Among the issues discussed was the frustration victims face when they struggle to reclaim frozen assets even before the case reaches a resolution. The committee also deliberated on stricter penalties, boosting jail terms for buying and selling private data from one to five years. They explored measures to prevent illegal transfers via digital assets and enhance inter-agency information sharing.
Mr. Prasert disclosed that a dedicated subcommittee on legal affairs has been tasked with dissecting the technical nuances and drafting a bill to address these multifaceted issues. The drafted bill is expected to be presented to the cabinet within 30 days.
“While progress has been made in clamping down on mule bank accounts and SIM cards, efforts to nab the real brains behind these crimes, both domestically and internationally, have been less satisfactory,” Mr. Prasert said. “Legal roadblocks still impede our ability to trace and return money to victims. Specialized legislation is crucial to overcoming these barriers.”
The DES Ministry has also been proactive in detailing their ongoing campaign against online crime. From July 1-31, there were 2,306 arrests related to online crime, marking a 7.57% reduction from the average recorded in the first three months of this year. Arrests related to online gambling dipped to 980, a 7.89% decrease from the previous average.
Moreover, the takedown of mule accounts and SIM cards saw 208 arrests, reflecting a significant 13.33% reduction. In a striking move, the government closed down 16,279 illegal websites in July this year alone—a sevenfold increase compared to the 2,294 sites shut down in July last year. Gambling sites weren’t spared either; 6,519 were terminated this July compared to just 97 the previous year.
As of July 31, a whopping 920,694 suspected mule bank accounts and 71,122 SIM cards, identified for making over 100 calls daily, were suspended. Out of these, only 418 account owners had verified their identities.
By combatting technology-based criminal activities with targeted legal reform, the government aims to create a safer digital landscape for all. Stay tuned as this vital new law moves closer to implementation, promising significant leaps forward in the fight against online crime.
Finally, action against tech crimes! It’s about time someone stepped up to deal with these issues.
I wouldn’t be so quick to celebrate. Governments always say they’ll make things better, but who knows if it’ll actually work?
We’ve got to start somewhere! It’s better than sitting around doing nothing while cybercriminals wreak havoc.
@SkepticJ, true, but this approach seeks to address legal loopholes. It might actually help if executed well.
Boosting jail terms to five years for private data trade seems harsh. Shouldn’t we focus more on rehabilitation and education?
@Mary L. Rehabilitation is idealistic. Real deterrents come from harsher penalties.
@RealistTom, deterrence might be necessary, but isn’t it possible to balance both punishment and education?
They should do more about online gambling. It’s ruining lives!
Agreed, but isn’t the onus also on individuals? People should control their habits.
Easier said than done, @Lisa K. Addiction is a disease, not just a lack of willpower.
@AddictSurvivor, I understand that, but we also need personal responsibility.
Finally shutting down all those illegal websites! Will it really make that much difference though?
It should help, but tech criminals migrate quickly. It’s an ongoing battle.
So, what do we need? Stronger international cooperation perhaps?
@John, that’s definitely part of it. Coordinated global efforts are essential to tackle this issue effectively.
Education about online safety should be part of this initiative. Prevention is better than cure.
I bet this is just another way for the government to invade our privacy in the name of ‘security’.
Is that really necessary here? Not every legal reform is about snooping on us.
Think about it. More control means more surveillance. It’s a slippery slope.
Excited to see how the bill evolves. This could make a fascinating case study for us.
What about businesses? Are they doing their part to protect customer data?
As a business owner, we try, but it’s challenging without clear legal frameworks and support.
Agreed, clear regulations can help, but companies must prioritize cybersecurity too.
More laws? More bureaucracy! Good luck getting anything done efficiently.
Not every law is bad, Eddy. We need laws to keep up with evolving tech threats.
2,306 arrests in a month? That’s impressive but how many of these arrests actually lead to convictions?
I think they should teach kids about cybersecurity in schools too.
If they don’t get the real masterminds behind these crimes, it won’t matter much.
This all sounds good, but what’s the cost to the taxpayer?
It’s a necessary expenditure, don’t you think? Better security and fewer crimes reduce overall costs.
The drastic increase in website shutdowns is an interesting statistic. Wonder what led to that efficiency?
Let’s hope this new law actually helps people get their money back quickly. It’s devastating for victims.
Victim support should be a priority. Too often they are left hanging.
Just crack down on these SIM card troubles. It’s getting out of hand.