Digital Minister to Meet Apple Over Cyber Attack Targeting Politicians
Digital Economy Minister Chaiyachonk Chidchob will meet Apple and security agencies on November 11 to address a massive cyber attack affecting over 99 countries and several high-profile Thai politicians, including party leaders and cabinet ministers. The minister described the breach as unprecedented and the largest ever, promising a national cyber defense plan within a week while confirming banking systems have so far repelled attacks but remain under constant threat.
Digital Economy Minister Chaiyachonk Chidchob announced plans to meet with Apple on November 11 alongside the National Security Council (NSC) and the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) to elevate cyber defense measures, revealing that multiple politicians have been affected by an unprecedented cyber threat.
Speaking at Government House on November 10, 2026, Minister Chaiyachonk said this week he will convene talks with the NSC, NCSA, Apple, private hardware and software manufacturers, and relevant agencies to upgrade countermeasures. He described the situation as unprecedented and likely the largest such incident ever, requiring comprehensive intelligence gathering from all sides to coordinate a response.
Asked which agencies have been attacked, Chaiyachonk said multiple organizations across all industries have been targeted for some time, affecting both public and private sectors. He noted Apple has confirmed over 99 countries are impacted.
"Many politicians have also been affected," he said, naming People's Party leader Nattawut Ruengpanyawut, Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, Energy Minister Eknat Promphan, and Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, among others. The November 11 meeting with Apple will focus on finding solutions.
Regarding Thailand's cyber defense upgrades, Chaiyachonk said he will await input from experienced firms before presenting a national plan, expected to be clear within a week.
On public concern about banking systems, he said the Prime Minister prioritizes this issue. While banks working with the NSC have recently thwarted attacks, complacency is impossible as threats evolve constantly, requiring continuous development.
Asked if Thai systems remain intact, Chaiyachonk clarified that while overall systems hold, compromised ones have been managed. He cited blood data as a key concern; based on breaches abroad, Thailand has not yet been hit, but monitoring continues.
