BANGKOK; Thailand faces daily cyberattack attempts targeting government agencies, banks and public utilities, with attackers using artificial intelligence (AI) to identify weaknesses in computer systems, according to the National Security Council (NSC).
General Chaipruak Doungprapat, secretary-general of the NSC, confirmed that the country's critical systems remain under effective protection, although the methods used by cyberattackers continue to evolve.
Speaking at Government House on Monday (November 9), following the NSC's seventh meeting of 2026, Chaipruak revealed that the prime minister had instructed relevant agencies to strengthen cybersecurity measures and improve their preparedness for potential crises.
He acknowledged that cyberattacks were an ongoing threat, affecting government networks, financial institutions and essential public services.
However, the agencies responsible for these systems have so far been able to maintain their security.
The prime minister has consequently ordered stronger preventive measures, alongside improvements to emergency response plans based on lessons learned from cyber incidents in other countries.
Chaipruak emphasised that Thailand could not afford to become complacent despite the effectiveness of its existing cybersecurity systems.
Cyberattackers continually look for opportunities to exploit vulnerabilities, and their techniques are becoming more difficult to counter.
He highlighted the use of AI to identify weaknesses in computer systems before launching attacks, creating additional challenges for those responsible for cybersecurity.
Although he reassured the public that Thailand's existing defences remained reliable, he stressed that security measures must be continuously improved to keep pace with changing threats.
The Bank of Thailand (BOT) also briefed the NSC meeting on cybersecurity preparedness following its recent discussions with commercial banks.
Chaipruak reported that the country's banking systems were currently being protected and managed effectively.
However, he did not provide a guarantee of complete protection against cyberattacks.
The prime minister had instructed banks to respond immediately if a technical incident or crisis occurred, ensuring that problems were resolved without affecting depositors.
Chaipruak reiterated that the public should not be unduly concerned, while acknowledging that attempts to exploit security vulnerabilities were occurring every day.
The NSC also reviewed cybersecurity measures under the national preparedness and crisis-management framework, which divides responses into three levels.
Under normal conditions, the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society are responsible for monitoring cyber threats and implementing preventive measures.
If a crisis develops, responsibility for coordinating the response shifts to the NSC.
Representatives of relevant agencies attended the meeting to explain their existing cybersecurity measures and preparedness arrangements.
Chaipruak indicated that the Digital Economy and Society Minister would convene further discussions with relevant organisations to examine how the country's cybersecurity capabilities could be strengthened.
The ministry also plans to organise a workshop to identify areas requiring improvement, including whether existing resources and personnel are sufficient to address emerging threats.
Although current systems remain manageable, Chaipruak stressed that continuous improvements were necessary because attackers were constantly searching for new vulnerabilities.
Beyond cybersecurity, the NSC meeting considered establishing a national counter-drone command centre, with the Royal Thai Air Force designated as the lead agency.
The proposal is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet for consideration in the near future.
The Ministry of Commerce also briefed the meeting on ministerial regulations governing the import and export of unmanned aerial vehicles, including how these activities would be regulated.
Another item concerned a proposed framework for Thailand's national security policy and plan.
With the existing national security plan due to expire in 2027, the NSC discussed preparations for a new framework covering 2027–2032.
The council also considered establishing an NSC operations centre to gather information and monitor developments under both normal and crisis conditions.
The proposed centre would coordinate with government agencies, private-sector organisations and academic experts to create a cooperation network capable of responding to emerging security challenges.
Chaipruak emphasised that stronger coordination, continued monitoring and regular improvements to preparedness plans would be essential to protecting Thailand against evolving threats.
