In the ever-evolving digital age of 2025, cybercrime has become a formidable force, overshadowing traditional criminal activities with its newfound hazy complexity. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), an institution formed in the heart of Thailand, has been facing this adversary with determined resolve and commitment to innovation. Under the judicious watch of Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, the bureau is unyielding in its quest to understand and disrupt the intricate web woven by online scammers.
Amidst the influx of cybercrime reports in the early months of the year, Jirabhop shared insights with the Bangkok Post. He unveiled a staggering number: 279,861 appeals concerning online scams made their way to the Thai Police Online (TPO) platform from January to September, incurring damages of over 28 billion baht. In a landscape where each byte of data might carry the key to your worldly possessions, service scams reigned supreme in numbers, whereas investment scams gnawed away the largest chunk of financial stability amounting to a jaw-dropping 10.229 billion baht.
The victims painted a clear demographic picture – predominantly working-age individuals, aged between 25 to 45, with considerable purchasing power, and followed closely by the elderly citizens, the seasoned generation grappling with the intricacies of cyberspace from a distance.
For Jirabhop, the forthcoming year looks grim on the cybercrime front. With public awareness inching towards new heights, fraudsters are recalibrating, zooming in on scams promising faster yields, replete with deceptions more alluring than horror films. The art of the cybercriminal has shifted from mere call centers to elaborate investment fairs, presenting them as safe heavens.
Their modus operandi? A masterful blend of psychological manipulation and digital subterfuge. Building an aura of reliability, these scam architects parade their luxury lifestyles across social media, host engaging seminars, and secure the blessings of bought endorsements from notable figures. “CIB studies reveal a pattern: gangs are peddling fantasy profits with credentials as flawless as a practiced illusionist,” Jirabhop observed with critical precision.
An in-depth understanding of a person’s digital fluency and vulnerable emotional realms—particularly the dauntless allies of greed and fear—equips these cyber-sorcerers with potency. Tactics like time crunches prod victims into hurried decisions, peddling the wares of misfortune wrapped in admittance-coated urgency.
Amidst this tumult, the lighthouse glimmer of public awareness remains pivotal. A long-time ally, according to Jirabhop, CIB embarks on multimodal campaigns, finding refuge in screens big and small, with dissemination channels such as Facebook, Line, and TikTok narrating cautionary tales rooted in real events.
The discourse expands beyond digital borders into classrooms and local communes, arming the populace with shields against charlatans: tracing call origins, scrutinizing website authenticity, and embedding security gears into mobile banking realms are topics on repeat.
A formidable alliance with distant lands stands next to CIB’s heart—its collaboration with Chinese and US authorities exemplifies a global fulcrum against cyber malfeasance. Notable collaborations include the celebrated takedown of the “911 S5” malware network alongside the FBI, proving that when jurisdictions unite, crime crumbles.
With local telcos like AIS, the CIB innovated the “scam-call alert service via *1185#”, amalgamating forces with the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau and Cyber Volunteers to form a defensive bulwark against digital deception.
But in the game of international cat-and-mouse, challenges lurk like shadows. Online scam artists, equipped with wealth and expertise, operate beyond borders, tethering law enforcement with jurisdictional hurdles.
Implementing four decisive strategies reminiscent of tactical chess, Jirabhop shares, “Cyber forensics stands at our forefront, examining data trends with acuity akin to a grandmaster interpreting moves. Financial trails are pursued with analytic zeal, incorporating IP sleuthing alongside scam communication analysis.”
Officers elevate themselves as learners of technology, unriddling enigmas with AI-infused inquisitiveness and proactive engagements with mobile operators for tangible disruptions like SIM interferences.
As Jirabhop emphasizes, even the best law efforts need bolstering. Empower the public: scrutinize beguiling offers and expose mythical profits. Shun errant clicking and blind transfers deeper into scam-laden labyrinths, embrace password savvy practices with the comforting guardian known as two-factor authentication.
If fraud looms, cease hesitation – summon the police or banking guardians. “Scam puppeteers thrive on impulsive responses; let resilience reign. Engage thought, seek counsel, and never be too proud to pause,” he advises, a guardian’s wisdom ever valid.
So now we need to rely on the government to save us from cybercriminals? Sounds like an excuse to increase surveillance on the citizens!
I think it’s more about collaboration rather than surveillance. Ensuring safety doesn’t have to mean invading privacy.
That’s what they always say before taking away freedoms!
Privacy and security can coexist. It’s about being cautious with whom we grant power.
I really appreciate Jirabhop and the CIB’s efforts. It’s about time someone took these cyber thugs seriously!
Why doesn’t everyone just use VPNs and two-factor authentication? That would stop a lot of these scams.
Not everyone is tech-savvy enough to figure these things out. My grandma thinks a VPN is an alien race!
It’s more complicated than that. Scammers keep evolving their tactics too!
True, but some basic precautions can still make a big difference.
If people weren’t so greedy, they wouldn’t fall for these scams. Simple as that.
That’s victim-blaming, Eduardo. Scammers are professionals at manipulation!
Well, people should learn to be more cautious and not trust everything they see online.
Greed is one factor but so is fear and lack of information.
Joint operations with countries like the US are crucial. Cybercrime is borderless.
But it also means sharing a lot of our data with foreign powers. Double-edged sword, don’t you think?
Agreed, but the benefits often outweigh the risks in catching these criminals.
I hope there are campaigns in schools. Kids need to understand these dangers early on.
Not enough is being done for the elderly. They are so vulnerable to these scams!
You’re right! I’ve seen so many of my friends scammed. We need better support.
Maybe community centers could host tech workshops for seniors?
This focus on scams is overstated. It’s just headlines because it affects rich investors. The common man has more pressing concerns.
You sound bitter. Online scams hurt all economic classes, not just the wealthy.
Sure, but most headlines focus on big losses, not the small, everyday scams hurting people.
The psychological tricks scammers use are terrifying. More people need to be educated about social engineering.
Technology advances faster than laws. Policing cybercrime is like playing whack-a-mole.
That’s true! We need more agile policies to keep up with tech advancements.
I’m more concerned about the environmental impact of all this cyber equipment. Everyone talks cybercrime but ignores e-waste!
Important point! The servers, the gadgets – they all contribute to environmental issues.
International laws on cybercrime need to be stronger and more coordinated.
Gnarly waves or gnarly scams, it’s all about balance, man! Just stay chill and informed.
Everything in moderation, right? Including online trust.
With those staggering numbers, how is the CIB planning to process all reports effectively?
Maybe AI could help sort and prioritize cases.
That’s wishful thinking unless they invest significantly in resources.
Sounds like fear-mongering to me. Relax, don’t take the bait!
If we can unite globally for this, imagine what other global issues could be resolved.