PM gets the lowdown: Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, left, attends a meeting with high-ranking Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) officers, led by commissioner Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, at its headquarters in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district on Friday. (Photo: Royal Thai Government)
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has embraced cutting-edge technology to enhance its operations and services, including initiatives aimed at preventing scams related to the government’s digital wallet scheme. The strides made by the CIB in combating cybercrime were showcased to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin during his visit to their headquarters on Friday.
Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, the CIB commissioner, highlighted that the bureau has been leveraging technological advancements to improve police work and increase operational transparency for the public. Their efforts are centered on strengthening three key tech-based projects: Digital Transformation, National CCTV Big Data, and the National Intelligence Function Center (NIFC).
He noted that transitioning from paper-based reporting systems to digital archives has streamlined processes, significantly reducing the time and the number of officers required for investigations. Additionally, the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) to centralize information collected from CCTV cameras nationwide into a comprehensive big data set has bolstered public safety and confidence.
The bureau’s objective to centralize criminal data aims to enhance intelligence operations, thereby facilitating more in-depth criminal analysis. Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop expressed optimism that the NIFC would play a pivotal role in safeguarding national security and defending against international terrorist threats.
Upon hearing the progress report, Prime Minister Srettha conveyed the government’s gratitude and support for the CIB’s initiatives. He underscored the importance of insulating the bureau’s activities from political interference and corruption. Moreover, the Prime Minister emphasized the necessity of ensuring officer safety and maintaining well-prepared equipment, particularly for anti-narcotics efforts.
The premier also urged the CIB to prioritize the identification and elimination of fraudulent websites and applications associated with the digital wallet scheme, especially during its rollout phase. With registration having commenced on Thursday, an impressive tally of over 20 million people signed up within the first 48 hours.
Although no irregularities have been detected so far, Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop emphasized that the bureau must rigorously scrutinize the scheme to pinpoint any potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited, leading to substantial harm to the state.
As part of their enhanced cybercrime monitoring efforts, the CIB will place an officer from the Royal Thai Police at the helm, with Pol Lt Gen Samran Nuanma, assistant national police chief, being primed for this critical role, revealed Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop.
It’s about time the CIB caught up with the times and went digital. Bet they were practically living in the Stone Age before.
True, but the shift to digital also comes with its own set of challenges. What about data security?
Good point, Marie. But if they can handle it right, the benefits will outweigh the risks.
Data security can be managed with proper encryption and protocols. It’s worth the leap forward.
I have my doubts. The government has a history of corruption. Will this digital transformation really be free from interference?
Yeah, exactly! Politicians always find a way to interfere. Not holding my breath.
Glad to see I’m not alone in my skepticism. We’ll see what happens.
Why be so negative, Chai and Sompong? This level of accountability could actually reduce corruption.
The AI and Big Data initiative sound promising. Safer public spaces are worth investing in.
I worry about all this surveillance. Are we trading off too much privacy for security?
Exactly, James! There’s always a risk that such technology gets misused.
Surveillance is a double-edged sword. It could lead to a police state if not controlled properly.
There needs to be a balance. Public safety shouldn’t come at the cost of individual freedoms.
What if you lose someone to crime? Wouldn’t you want measures that prevent it, even if it means more surveillance?
Great job by the CIB, but we need transparency in how they implement these technologies.
Transparency is key, Kittipong. Without it, these initiatives won’t gain public trust.
Transparency will also help in maintaining these systems free from political meddling.
Why is the PM so focused on the digital wallet scheme? Feels like a distraction from bigger issues.
The real concern should be the identification of corrupt practices within the CIB. Trust but verify.
Agreed. An unbiased third-party audit would help in ensuring accountability.
Exactly, Bee! External audits can keep the CIB honest.
If the system is as robust as they say, it should stand up to scrutiny.
Over 20 million people signing up within 48 hours is an impressive statistic. Shows people have trust—or are desperate.
Or maybe they didn’t read the terms and conditions! How many just clicked ‘Accept’?
That’s a fair point, James. We do tend to skip the fine print.
People are looking for convenience. Tech can provide that, if it’s managed properly.
Instead of focusing on digital wallets, there should be more attention on improving general law enforcement.
AI in policing is a game-changer. It can process massive volumes of data quickly. Crime prevention could get a lot smarter.
I hope the officers get proper training on handling this new tech. No point in having it if they can’t use it properly.
While the tech advancements are commendable, I hope they don’t misuse it to crack down on peaceful protests.
That’s a real concern, Arun. Governments have done it before.
Protecting public safety shouldn’t mean restricting civil liberties.
Exactly, Ben. Balance is critical.
If it’s for the safety of the majority, some sacrifices have to be made.
Centralized criminal data can make a huge difference in how quickly and accurately crimes are solved.
The move to a digital system should have happened years ago. Better late than never.
How are they planning to protect the officers involved in these initiatives from retaliation?
Good question, Sam. Officer safety should be a top priority.
Absolutely. They’re putting themselves on the line here.