About 18 million people in Thailand were victims of online fraud in the past year

According to a survey released by Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, about 18 million Thais have been victims of online fraud in the past year.

On Monday (February 10), Thailand celebrated Safer Internet Day 2025 at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok. Organized by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation and 50 partner organizations, including the Internet Development Foundation of Thailand, UNICEF Thailand and Chulalongkorn University, the event aims to raise awareness of cybersecurity and create a safe digital environment for all.

China News Service quoted a survey released by Chulalongkorn University during the event as saying that as many as 36 million Thais were targeted by online scams in the past year, of which 18 million were victims.

Dr. Ponte, director of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, noted the growing influence of the Internet in the lives of Thais, as Internet penetration in Thailand has tripled to 88 percent in the past decade. He stressed that digital literacy skills are essential for navigating the Internet safely and responsibly.

UNICEF Thailand Director Kim Jingshun stressed the need to strengthen government mechanisms to protect children from online abuse, calling for strong policies and laws, as well as raising online safety awareness among children and families.

Sridha, managing director of the Internet Development Foundation of Thailand, expressed concern about online gambling, e-cigarettes and telecom fraud. She pointed out that these phenomena have caused serious mental harm to young people, and Thailand urgently needs to enact preventive laws and carry out effective enforcement.