PM suggests Asean cyber crime centre

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday proposed establishing an Asean anticyber crime centre as part of measures to prevent transnational crimes.

Deputy government spokesman Werachon Sukhondhapatipak yesterday said Prime Minister Prayut floated the idea during a meeting with Asean leaders during the 31th Asean Summit and related meetings on Nov 13-14 in Manila.

Gen Prayut reportedly said the cyber crime suppression centre should be jointly established by Asean members in order to efficiently prevent and suppress cyber crimes and transnational crime in the digital era.

The scheme should be part of the Asean cyber framework, said Prime Minister Prayut, adding cyber and transnational crime have been increasing and there needs to be a concerted effort by Asean countries to fight the threat in a systematic way.

An Asean anti-cyber crime centre is one of four proposals that Gen Prayut made at t he summit, according t o deputy government spokesman Werachon Sukhondhapatipak.

The other three include proposals on solving malnutrition, dealing with ageing societies and creating a joint programme for disaster prevention and mitigation in the Asean region.

Lt Gen Werachon said Gen Prayut’s proposals were well-received. Asean member countries are in the process of signing a declaration that will jump-start regional cooperation to deal with malnutrition.

On ageing societies, Gen Prayut proposed forming an Asean Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation, a scheme he said would prepare the region to handle ageing populations.

The premier also reiterated the significance of developing special economic zones along the borders under the “Thailand Plus One” policy. The “Thailand Plus One” policy will promote inclusiveness in regional economic and industrial development by being the link for regional trade among Asean members, he said.