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National Security Secretary Acknowledges Daily Cyber Attacks on Thailand, Orders Defense System Upgrade

Politic09 Nov 2026 16:59 GMT+7

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National Security Secretary Acknowledges Daily Cyber Attacks on Thailand, Orders Defense System Upgrade

The National Security Council (NSC) Secretary admitted that Thailand faces daily cyberattacks exploiting AI to find system vulnerabilities. He ordered an upgrade of defense systems and preparation of crisis response plans. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Sihasak is set to visit Myanmar on 12 Nov to discuss Thai border security.


At 3:30 p.m. on 9 Nov 2026 at the National Security Council (NSC), General Chaipruk Duangprapat, NSC Secretary-General, reported several discussion points from the meeting. These included establishing a drone management and control center led by the Air Force, which will soon be proposed to the Cabinet after finalizing details. The Ministry of Commerce will issue ministerial regulations to manage drone imports and exports in Thailand.


A key agenda item was the proposal of a draft national security policy and plan framework. The current plan ends in 2027, and the new plan will outline operational frameworks and guidelines for 2027–2032.


Additionally, an NSC Operations Center (ศปก.สมช.) will be established, led by the NSC Secretary-General. This center will gather information, monitor, and assess situations from normal to crisis conditions, coordinating with government agencies, the private sector, and relevant networks to integrate problem-solving and crisis response.


Cyber threat prevention measures under the national preparedness and crisis management plans are divided into three levels. Under normal conditions, the National Cybersecurity Committee and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) are the main agencies overseeing monitoring and prevention, with the DES Minister responsible. In crisis situations, management transfers to the NSC, which has already invited related agencies to discuss response strategies and measures.


General Chaipruk stated that Thailand currently faces cyberattacks targeting government agencies, banks, and public utilities, but responsible agencies are maintaining system security. The Prime Minister has instructed to intensify defense measures and prepare contingency plans for severe incidents or crises, incorporating lessons learned from other countries to improve national cyber threat prevention and response plans.


Relevant agencies will review the details and reconvene for further discussion. The DES Minister will convene related parties to establish clearer development strategies and enhance cyber defense capabilities.


Regarding the Thai-Myanmar border situation, General Chaipruk said the Army, jointly responsible with the Ministry of Interior, reported preparedness measures to the meeting. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Paojinda will visit Myanmar on 12 November to discuss these issues with Myanmar’s leadership. The Army confirmed it has prepared safe zones for Thai citizens and those affected by the conflict.


On the Thai-Cambodian border, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak reported the situation remains peaceful. Thailand plans to adjust measures and response approaches for faster action and will gather and analyze intelligence to assess the situation and determine future land and maritime operations.


When asked about Thai banks’ readiness to handle cyber threats and whether the public can safely use services, General Chaipruk said the Bank of Thailand reported having consulted with various banks that morning. The systems remain protected and well-managed, with strict orders that any abnormalities or crises must be promptly addressed to avoid impacts on the public and depositors.


Asked again about cyber threats expanding across Asia and Thailand’s confidence in controlling the situation, General Chaipruk said cyberattacks occur daily and opportunistically, but Thailand’s defense systems remain reliable. However, vigilance is essential because attack methods continuously evolve. Attackers now use AI to detect and analyze system vulnerabilities, making defense more challenging despite agencies’ best efforts.


On personnel and equipment readiness for cyber threat response, General Chaipruk said the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society will hold workshops with relevant agencies to assess areas needing improvement in personnel, technology, and defense systems. He affirmed current systems are manageable but attackers continually seek vulnerabilities, so ongoing enhancement of cyber defense capabilities is necessary.