Cambodia was absent from the anti-scammer meeting, while Foreign Minister Sihasak expressed hope to elevate the cooperation to a global level, moving beyond just a symbolic intention for worldwide endorsement of the joint Bangkok declaration.
The international conference on the Global Partnership to Combat Internet Fraud was officially held on 17-18 Dec 2025 at the InterContinental Hotel in Bangkok. It was attended by 338 participants from 58 countries and the European Union, along with five international organizations. Cambodia did not send any representatives to the meeting.
Mr. Sihasak Puangketkaew, Minister ofForeign Affairs,opened the meeting by stating that in this year alone, Thailand has assisted more than 10,000 victims from over 40 countries to escape from scam centers in neighboring countries. This clearly shows that no single country can solve this problem alone. We must collaborate more closely and operate more securely to help and protect victims. It is essential to distinguish clearly between victims and perpetrators, investigate and prosecute networks, and prevent new victims. This requires strong political will, effective law enforcement, and a societal approach involving all stakeholders.
Thailand has taken concrete actions domestically in recent months by seizing assets related to online fraud exceeding 300 million USD. We also work closely with the private sector and civil society to enhance prevention and raise international public awareness. We strive to be among the 72 countries that signed the Cybercrime Convention in Hanoi earlier this year. This reflects a firm commitment to strengthening global cooperation against cybercrime. While countries take action, major criminal networks continue to operate across seas. We must dismantle these networks and create a platform that allows us to leverage strength, intelligence, and cooperation more effectively.
Mr. Sihasak also said the meeting was initiated by Thailand not to create a new forum but to bridge gaps among existing ones. Our intention is to strengthen ongoing efforts and focus on implementation. Therefore, it is designed as a practical platform involving multiple stakeholders—countries, international organizations, the private sector—to learn from each other’s approaches and move from discussion to action.
“More importantly, we sincerely hope this meeting will lead to the establishment of a global partnership against online fraud, a cooperation that produces concrete results rather than merely symbolic intentions. We also hope that the joint Bangkok declaration will be endorsed. We encourage all countries and stakeholders to share our commitment by considering advancing this declaration and joining this global alliance. Online fraud is a global threat, and without response, it remains a global threat. We can protect our people, human dignity, and ensure technology truly serves progress only if we work together. I hope this meeting will be successful and effective.” Mr. Sihasak added,
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the importance of global cooperation to combat online fraud. He noted that online fraud causes billions of dollars in damage to victims, affecting entire industries. Such violations erode trust and respect for the rule of law, with crimes ranging from human trafficking and money laundering to corruption. This rapidly evolving crisis demands swift responses. In October, member states signed the UN Convention against Cybercrime, a key treaty he urged all countries to sign, amend, and implement without delay.
“We are working to help build capacity and cross-border cooperation, highlighting the role of collaboration within society and the private sector. Today’s meeting is an important impetus, especially as we look forward to the Global Anti-Fraud Summit next year. We need human rights and rule of law-based solutions that work together to block online scammers and create a safer digital world for everyone.” Mr. António concluded.