Pol. Maj. Gen. Niwet Aparawasin, Deputy Commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division, warned about cross-border cyber threats citing the Binance hack. He confirmed no system has been found that drains money automatically even when phones are left idle. He also cautioned the public to be wary of three common scam tactics, advising to avoid answering calls from unknown numbers, clicking links, adding strangers on LINE, or transferring money following investment solicitations.
At 13:30 on 9 Nov 2026 at the Technology Crime Suppression Division headquarters in Muang Thong Thani, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi Province, Pol. Maj. Gen. Niwet Aparawasin addressed concerns about whether recent international cyberattacks would impact Thailand, acknowledging the public's widespread worries on this issue.
He stated that police are fully aware of these threats. The Technology Crime Suppression Division has teams responsible for cybersecurity and continuously monitors threats potentially affecting Thailand. Regarding foreign cyberattacks, including the Binance hack, investigations found the breach began by deceiving employees into installing malware-laden software, which then provided access to internal systems and allowed attackers to conduct financial transactions, transferring funds from Hot Wallets or digital wallets.
In Thailand, similar scams have appeared, especially fake applications impersonating agencies such as the Electricity Authority, tricking people into installing apps via links. These apps then allow criminals to control phones and conduct financial transactions on victims' behalf. The public is urged not to click links or download apps from untrustworthy sources. Currently, there are three main types of scams targeting people:
1. Phone scams where criminals impersonate officials from various agencies and possess victims' personal information, making the fraud believable. The public is warned to avoid answering calls from unfamiliar or unknown numbers. If returning calls is necessary, it is safer to call the official number directly because criminals often use SIM Box systems that cannot receive incoming calls, so returning the call will not connect to the scammer.
2. SMS scams that include links or invitations to add contacts on LINE and install applications.
The public is advised not to click on links from unknown messages, not to add strangers on LINE, and not to install apps recommended by untrustworthy individuals. If installing apps, they should be searched for and downloaded only through official channels like the App Store or the authorized iOS system download sources for safety.
3. Social media scams, especially involving online acquaintances through dating apps or other platforms. If conversations lead to closeness and the other party begins inviting investments, people are warned not to trust or transfer money following such solicitations, as scammers may exploit relationships to defraud victims.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Niwet added that following these three warnings will reduce the risk of falling victim to scams, especially by not clicking suspicious links or installing apps sent by criminals. Installing harmful apps could allow criminals to connect to and control the victim’s phone.
Regarding concerns about phones automatically draining money when simply left idle, he confirmed no such cases have been found. If such events occur, banks would be responsible following appropriate procedures. Additionally, before transferring money or sharing personal information, people should verify the identity of contacts by checking with the relevant official agency.
The Deputy Commander concluded that citizens can use the Police Care app to verify bank account numbers, personal histories, police station information, and official contact channels. For agency-level cyber defense, cyber police have implemented security measures on the Thai Police Online system, requiring identity verification via the ThaiD app and blocking access from foreign computers. They also coordinate with related agencies and banks to enhance connection screening, aiming to prevent cyberattacks and reduce risks to the public.