Thailand to Launch Cyber Command Center to Boost National Digital Security
Thailand's Ministry of Defence will establish a Cyber Command Center in October to enhance the country's digital security and address modern cyber threats.
Thailand’s Ministry of Defence has announced plans to establish a Cyber Command Center in October to strengthen the country’s digital security capabilities. This move aims to address modern information and cyber threats that could impact international defense partners, as reported by Bangkok-based news agency, The Nation.
The decision was made by Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang and was revealed by Political Affairs Spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub during a recent council meeting. The Cyber Command Center will receive support from various segments of Thailand’s armed forces, according to an update from The Bangkok Post.
The project will be overseen by Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF) Commander-in-Chief Gen. Songwit Noonphakdi. Once operational, the Cyber Command Center will be led by a lieutenant general and managed by teams from the government’s Royal Development Projects and Security Coordination Center (RDPSCC). The new RDPSCC chief will take on the role of a major general, with the office being transferred under the RTARF’s Armed Forces Development Command.
Major Cyber Transition
Jirayu mentioned that the Cyber Command Center initiative would be part of a larger restructuring effort. This includes transferring the air force’s cyber center to the defense ministry’s Department of Information and Technology Communications and launching an electronic warfare division under the navy.
To support these transitions, the government plans to develop competency programs aimed at producing and upskilling cyber officers. Some RTARF personnel have already been sent to leading countries for training. For in-country training, the government will collaborate with the private sector, educational institutions, and other security agencies. These efforts are expected to produce 300 to 500 skilled personnel annually.
Enhancing Cyber Security
The establishment of the Cyber Command Center marks a significant step in Thailand’s efforts to bolster its cybersecurity infrastructure. With the increasing prevalence of cyber threats globally, enhancing digital security has become a critical priority for nations worldwide.
The establishment of national cyber command centers has become a common strategy for countries looking to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses. These centers are tasked with protecting critical infrastructure, coordinating responses to cyber incidents, and developing cybersecurity strategies and policies.
For example, the United States Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM) was established in 2009 to defend military networks and conduct full-spectrum military cyberspace operations. Similarly, the United Kingdom’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), established in 2016, works to protect critical services from cyber attacks and manage major cyber incidents.
Thailand’s initiative to establish a Cyber Command Center aligns with global trends and underscores the importance of a robust cybersecurity framework. This move is expected to enhance Thailand’s ability to respond to cyber threats and contribute to international cybersecurity efforts.