Mitihoon – Between March 2022 and May 2025, over 900,000 reports of online crimes were filed through the ThaiPoliceOnline complaint center, with total damages amounting to a staggering 9 billion baht — averaging 77 million baht in losses per day. The most common cases included online shopping scams, fraudulent money transfers via mobile apps, and loan scams. These numbers reflect the reality that cyber threats have become a form of crime that’s alarmingly close to home — and that anyone can fall victim.
As crimes have increasingly moved online, the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), or “Cyber Police,” has played a vital role in addressing cyber threats through both law enforcement and public education. This dual approach, cracking down on criminal networks while raising awareness, is seen as the first line of defense against online crimes.
One of the most prominent figures in public communication on cyber issues is Pol. Maj. Pakrit Krittayapong, better known as “Inspector Turk,” who is recognized for his clear and accessible cyber awareness content. The following is a reflection on his perspectives, drawn from his investigative background and academic knowledge in criminology, along with practical advice for protecting oneself from cyber threats in daily life and the important role of True CyberSafe as a key tool in closing opportunities for cybercrime.
From Street Crime to Cybercrime
“Crime no longer takes place solely on the streets — it has moved into the mobile phones in everyone’s hands,” says Pol. Maj. Pakrit Krittayapong, describing the shift from traditional crimes like theft, mugging, and robbery to cybercrimes that are more subtle, faster, and capable of causing far greater damage.
In the past, street crime typically involved direct confrontation with victims, such as snatching or armed robbery, requiring physical force and carrying a high risk of being caught or pursued. But in today’s digital era, cybercrime has emerged as a hidden threat lurking in chat messages, fake links, and scam calls. Perpetrators can operate anonymously from anywhere in the world and simultaneously target large numbers of victims.
“Traditional crimes may cost victims only what they’re carrying at the time. But cybercrimes are more deceptive and can inflict far greater losses. Some victims don’t just transfer all the money in their accounts — they’re even tricked into taking out loans to send more. It’s all done through psychological manipulation rather than physical force,” explains Pol. Maj. Pakrit.
Cybercrime Varies Across Cultures
Although cybercrime is a global phenomenon, the tactics used by cybercriminals are shaped not only by technology but also by psychological strategies that align with the cultural context of each country. Pol. Maj. Pakrit explains that in Europe, romance scams are more common because fraudsters deceive victims through fake romantic relationships, taking advantage of a more open lifestyle and prevailing beliefs about love. In contrast, in Asia, especially in Thailand, a large number of victims fall prey to call center scams where fraudsters impersonate government officials.
“The beliefs instilled in Thai society, such as trust in government officials or even fear of their authority, are key factors that make people more likely to believe and comply when someone claims to be an official, especially in high-pressure situations or when quick decisions are needed,” Pol. Maj. Pakrit explains.
From the Crime Triangle Theory to Tangible Prevention with True CyberSafe
According to the Crime Triangle theory, three elements must be present for a crime to occur: an offender, an opportunity, and a victim. In the physical world, traditional crimes can often be prevented by a visible police presence, such as checkpoints or patrols. In the online world, “cyber patrol units” take on a similar role by monitoring high-risk digital areas, such as scam pages, illegal gambling websites, or mule accounts.
However, relying solely on the police may not be sufficient. The private sector has stepped in to strengthen cyber defense through digital technology. One such service is True CyberSafe, which blocks or warns users when they inadvertently click on dangerous links sent by scammers via SMS or web browsers. Available to all True and dtac customers, this service plays a crucial role in “removing the opportunity” for cybercrime to occur in the first place.
“Scammers will always look for new loopholes, but having a service like True CyberSafe helps close those gaps, preventing connections between criminals and potential victims from the outset,” explains Pol. Maj. Pakrit.
Knowledge Is the Best Armor. Modern Police Must Communicate to Keep the Public Informed and Aware
When asked about cyber threats that people should watch out for, Pol. Maj. Pakrit pointed to artificial intelligence as a growing tool used by scammers. “Criminals have started using AI and deepfake technology to create fake faces that resemble friends or family members. They also use voice cloning technology to imitate voices, making victims believe they are talking to someone they trust. This manipulation often leads to victims transferring money or following harmful instructions.”
Still, Pol. Maj. Pakrit stressed that new technology is simply a tool used to play on people’s emotions. The most effective form of prevention is not just counter-technology but awareness. And that begins with communication and public education, which has become one of the key roles of the cyber police today.
“Scammers constantly change their methods. That’s why public education and awareness are so important. Police must serve as voices of information, and even influencers can help amplify the message. This ripple effect ensures that more people get the knowledge they need. Today, we’re seeing a noticeable increase in public awareness around cyber threats compared to the past.”
Fear, Greed and Blind Trust: The Psychological Weak Points Exploited by Cybercriminals
Although cyber scams come in many forms and continue to evolve, Pol. Maj. Pakrit affirms that cybercriminals consistently exploit three emotional triggers that effectively manipulate the human mind. These triggers are the following:
- Fear: Scammers create panic-inducing scenarios to pressure victims into acting without thinking. For example, they may claim that a victim’s child has been in an accident or pretend to be a government official calling for an urgent investigation.
- Greed:Victims are lured by the promise of easy rewards, such as fake investment schemes or offers like “get paid for liking posts.”
- Blind Trust: Fraudsters craft convincing characters or scenarios to gain the victim’s confidence. They may impersonate someone the victim knows or present themselves as a trustworthy expert.
“The techniques may change. There could be new scams tomorrow. But these three emotions remain the common tactics used by scammers. That is why we need to stay alert and question everything, especially in the online world,” Pol. Maj. Pakrit says.
In addition, the general public can help protect against cyber threats by joining the Cyber Eye volunteer program. Participants can report fake pages, fraudulent websites, and other online threats at www.thaipoliceonline.go.th.
Finally, he believes that police must continuously adapt to people’s changing lifestyles. In today’s world, where threats often appear on smartphone screens, awareness is the first and most important layer of defense that everyone should have. “And I want everyone to always remember that when you rush to transfer money, scammers smile,” Pol. Maj. Pakrit concludes.
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