Thailand Roundup: AI attack on PM, app launched to protect tourists, warning of rains and floods

FILE PHOTO: Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok
FILE PHOTO: Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra attends a press conference at the Pheu Thai party headquarters following a royal endorsement ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand, August 18, 2024. REUTERS/Chalinee Thirasupa/File Photo
Source: REUTERS

Thailand's Prime Minister targeted by AI phone scam

A significant incident highlighted the vulnerabilities within governmental communication systems when Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra became the target of an AI-driven phone scam. According to NDTV, the perpetrator used advanced technology to mimic the voice of a prominent world leader and solicited donations by misrepresenting Thailand’s financial contributions within the ASEAN framework. This situation underscores the increasing prevalence and sophistication of AI-enabled fraud in Southeast Asia, where crime syndicates exploit technological advancements amid regional instabilities, particularly in Myanmar.

Thailand introduces app to protect tourists

The Thai government has implemented proactive measures to bolster tourist safety by launching the “Thailand Tourist Police” application. This innovative mobile tool allows tourists to communicate directly with law enforcement through messages, photos, and location data in eight languages, ensuring 24/7 assistance. As reported by MS News, since its inception in December 2024, the app has already facilitated around 1,000 reports, with a notable peak of 200 emergency calls in a single day, reflecting its functionality and the heightened state of alert regarding security for tourists.

Isolated heavy rains and flood warning issued for Southern Thailand

The Thai Meteorological Department has issued alerts for isolated heavy rainfalls that could lead to potential flooding in southern provinces. With the northeast monsoon intensifying over the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, critical areas such as Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, and Narathiwat are at substantial risk. Residents are urged to be vigilant against flash floods and rough seas. Forecasts indicate that wave heights could reach two to three metres, necessitating caution for maritime activities, The Nation reports. 

No sign of missing Chinese model at Thailand-Myanmar border

The ongoing search for Taiwanese model Yang Zeqi, who vanished near the Myanmar border, has raised awareness regarding the dark prospects of human trafficking and the illegal labour trade. Despite joint investigations between Thai police and Myanmar authorities yielding no conclusive leads, concerns continue to mount regarding potential kidnapping scenarios perpetrated by scamming rings promising lucrative job opportunities across borders, reports The Nation.

Thailand eases regulations for long-term visa programme to attract global citizens

Thailand has restructured its long-term visa provisions by abolishing the minimum annual income requirement for the Wealthy Global Citizens category. By focusing on cumulative wealth and reducing corporate sponsorship requirements, this initiative paves the way for a more inclusive framework for prospective residents, allowing for greater flexibility in including dependents and enhancing Thailand’s status as a premier global investment hub, as vnExpress reports.

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