Daily Cyber Attacks Hit Thailand, PM Orders Stronger Defenses
Thailand faces daily AI-driven cyber attacks on banks and government systems, prompting the Prime Minister to order stronger defenses and crisis response plans while officials say current protections are holding.
The NSC Secretary-General acknowledged Thailand faces daily cyber attacks, revealing that artificial intelligence is being used to identify vulnerabilities to penetrate bank and government systems, but defenses are holding firm. The Prime Minister has ordered enhanced protection and crisis response planning. At 3:50 PM on November 9, 2026, at Government House, Air Chief Marshal Chaiyapruk Didyasarin, NSC Secretary-General, briefed after the NSC's 7/2026 meeting that they discussed establishing an anti-drone control center with the Royal Thai Air Force as the lead agency, to be submitted to the Cabinet shortly. The Commerce Ministry also explained proposed ministerial regulations on drone imports and exports. A draft national security policy framework for 2027-2029 was also proposed, as the current framework expires in 2027.
Air Chief Marshal Chaiyapruk said another key measure is establishing an NSC operations center to prepare data and monitor situations from normal conditions through crises, coordinating with government agencies, the private sector, and academics as a cooperative network to resolve crises.
Regarding cybersecurity measures under the national preparedness plan and crisis management, he explained responsibilities are divided into three levels during normal conditions: the National Cyber Security Committee (NCSC) and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) are responsible for monitoring approaches. During crises, the NSC takes charge. Relevant agencies were invited to explain measures already implemented.
"We are aware that every day we face cyber attacks, whether on government agencies, banks, or public utility systems, but responsible agencies can still prevent and maintain these systems. The Prime Minister therefore ordered elevated prevention, including crisis response plans if incidents occur, drawing lessons from other countries that have experienced such events to analyze and improve our prevention and problem-solving plans," Air Chief Marshal Chaiyapruk said.
The Digital Economy and Society Minister will convene relevant agencies again to discuss how to further develop and upgrade defenses.
When asked if Thailand's banking cybersecurity can prevent attacks 100%, Air Chief Marshal Chaiyapruk said the Bank of Thailand explained in the meeting that after recent talks with various banks, current prevention and maintenance is thorough. However, the Prime Minister emphasized that if any incident or crisis occurs, banks must resolve problems immediately and must not affect depositors.
Asked to confirm the public need not worry, Air Chief Marshal Chaiyapruk affirmed: "Correct, but attacks happen daily and at every opportunity. Our defense systems remain reliable. However, we are not complacent because attack methods constantly change, even using AI to identify vulnerabilities for attacks. This makes defense difficult, but agencies are doing their utmost."
Asked if resources and personnel are sufficient, Air Chief Marshal Chaiyapruk said MDES will hold workshops with agencies to clarify what further development is needed. While current systems are still manageable, attackers seek gaps at every opportunity, so prevention must be continuously developed.
