The Digital Economy and Interior Ministries have toured Uthai Thani to jointly launch "Digital Shield Fest 2026," advancing efforts to build cyber threat immunity among the public, raising awareness of digital dangers, and combating fake news.
At 09:00 on 17 Oct 2026 at Nong Chang Wittaya School in Uthai Thani, Chaiyachon Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, presided over the opening of the third traveling online threat campaign exhibition (DE Digital Shield Forum) under the theme "Digital Shield Learning Fest 2026: LEARN SMART STAY SAFE." Deputy Interior Minister Jeset Thaiset welcomed and joined the event along with Chada Thaiset, Member of Parliament for Uthai Thani, and Patchara Anansilp, Permanent Secretary of the Digital Economy Ministry.
This event, held from 17 to 18 Oct 2026, 09:00–17:00, is organized by the Digital Economy Ministry under the DE Digital Shield project to raise public awareness against online threats. Its purpose is to build digital protection for the public, promote a safe learning society, increase digital threat awareness, and counter fake news, especially targeting children and youth who closely use technology and online media daily.
The event features diverse activities including educational exhibitions, workshops on handling online threats through real case studies, expert digital knowledge sessions, as well as games and prize giveaways, allowing participants to learn and practice self-protection skills against online threats in an engaging and participatory way.
Additionally, there are workshops and learning activities across six Learning Zones, plus panel discussions on issues close to young people such as recognizing online threats, safe use of AI and Deepfake, verifying news before believing or sharing, and being responsible digital citizens. There is also a poetry contest on the theme "Be Mindful, Be Aware, Protect, Stay Safe" and creative activities by students of Nong Chang Wittaya School.
Minister Chaiyachon stated that the digital world is now integral to Thai children and youth's lives but also harbors many threats including online scammers, financial fraud, AI-generated fake news, and cross-border cyber threats, causing harm and wide impact. The government has elevated cybercrime and technology crime countermeasures to a national priority by establishing three subcommittees for prevention, suppression, and communication to integrate agency efforts, enhance efficiency in combating transnational crime, and increase public understanding to recognize scams and effectively protect themselves from cyber threats.
Meanwhile, the Digital Economy Ministry continues key measures such as blocking illegal websites, cracking down on mule accounts and SIM cards, and providing assistance through the AOC 1441 hotline 24/7. However, relying solely on laws and technology is insufficient; it is vital to build "digital immunity" for everyone, especially children and youth, by encouraging them to verify information before believing, think carefully before clicking links, and be mindful of safety before sharing content, making the internet a safe and accessible space for all.
Deputy Interior Minister Jeset said cooperation between the Interior Ministry and Digital Economy Ministry is a vital force to bring knowledge and online threat prevention measures to people nationwide, especially using schools as learning hubs to effectively connect knowledge from students to families and communities. Creating a safe digital society is not the responsibility of any single agency but requires collaboration among government, private sector, education institutions, families, and the public.
Jeset added that Digital Shield Learning Fest 2026 offers an excellent opportunity for children, youth, teachers, parents, and the public to learn about online threats through creative and accessible activities, enabling them to protect themselves and share knowledge with others. He thanked Minister Chaiyachon, management, agencies, Nong Chang Wittaya School, teachers, students, and the public for supporting the event, reflecting a collaborative effort to ensure public safety in the digital world.
Currently, technology, smartphones, internet, and social media have become daily life parts, helping children and youth access knowledge and communicate conveniently. However, there are risks from various threats including call center scams, fraudulent money-draining links, online shopping scams, mule account recruitment, online harassment and bullying, personal data violations, as well as fake news and AI-generated distorted content that can spread rapidly and cause widespread harm.
Thus, the third DE Digital Shield Forum serves as an important platform to build a digital safety network in Uthai Thani, encouraging children and youth to grow as quality digital citizens who use technology creatively, responsibly, and safely against online threats. The key principles are "think before you click, verify before you believe, and be cautious before you share" to build immunity for themselves, families, and society, and to collectively face long-term cyber threats.
