Bangkok: Prime Minister Sihasak Srisuk expressed regret over Cambodia's absence from the International Conference on Global Partnership to Combat Cybercrime, held at the InterContinental Hotel in Bangkok. He emphasized the importance of the event, which drew 338 participants from 58 countries, including representatives from the European Union, international organizations, civil society, and academia.
According to Thai News Agency, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkaew highlighted Thailand's role in hosting the conference in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNOCD). The conference aimed to address the global issue of online scams by fostering international cooperation and closing existing loopholes. Online scams have been linked to human rights abuses, human trafficking, law enforcement violations, and money laundering, resulting in significant economic losses worldwide.
Mr. Sihasak noted that the meeting was attended by high-level representatives, including ministers and deputy ministers, all with the shared goal of strengthening international cooperation in combating online crime. He acknowledged the praise Thailand received for initiating the conference, which was proposed during the 47th ASEAN Summit and presented at the APEC Leaders' Meeting. The meeting's success is expected to lead to further discussions at a summit in Vienna, Austria, next year.
While expressing regret over Cambodia's non-participation, Mr. Sihasak stated that the issue of online crime requires collective effort and cooperation from all countries. He emphasized the importance of implementing the points discussed at the conference, hoping that Cambodia would still engage with the agreements reached. The Bangkok statement issued at the end of the conference will address all aspects of online crime, aiming to empower countries, strengthen their capabilities, and establish laws.
Mr. Sihasak mentioned China's presence at the conference, underscoring its commitment to combating online crime. Mr. Liu Zhongyi, Assistant Minister of Public Security of China, attended the meeting, highlighting China's role in regional cooperation.
The results of the Bangkok conference will be further discussed at the United Nations meeting in Vienna, Austria, next year, with the potential establishment of a contact point for exchanging information on online crime and the formation of a special working group to expedite action.