Digital Minister: No Pegasus Evidence in Politician Phone Hack
Digital Economy Minister Chaiyachon Chidchob said no evidence of Pegasus spyware was found in the hacking of a politician's phone, and the issue will be addressed at the National Security Council meeting. He urged the public to practice good cyber hygiene, such as changing passwords and avoiding suspicious links, while the ministry coordinates with Apple and international experts on the global malware campaign.
At 11:30 a.m. on November 3, 2026, at the Montathip Hall in Udon Thani, Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiyachon Chidchob gave an interview regarding Move Forward Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva's claim that he received a warning about possible Pegasus spyware infiltration on his phone. Abhisit said he was only told there was malware, not specifically Pegasus. Apple stated that a hacking campaign affected 99 countries worldwide but did not identify the software as Pegasus. Chaiyachon said if Abhisit wants to cooperate, the matter is considered important and will be raised at the National Security Council meeting on November 4. When asked about People's Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut receiving a similar warning, Chaiyachon said everyone must be cautious, as malware can enter devices in many forms, especially through public Wi-Fi, untrusted repair shops, and clicking on pop-up ads. He said the issue will be a key agenda item at the NSC meeting, and the ministry is coordinating with Apple and international cybersecurity experts. Deputy Minister Nat Bunyathida said preliminary checks show the alerts are global, not limited to Thailand, with Germany among the most affected. The ministry is gathering information and will discuss cyber threat warnings, including spyware and malware, at the November 4 meeting. No politicians or affected individuals have directly contacted the ministry; all information comes from media reports. The ministry has been holding cyber threat warning meetings since October 30.
