BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed government agencies to monitor emerging cybersecurity threats following unverified reports of cyberattacks targeting commercial refrigeration and cold-storage systems overseas. The premier warned that such incidents could disrupt international food supply chains and expose Thai exporters to financial risks.
Anutin explained that the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, under Deputy Prime Minister Prof. Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society are working to protect public and private sector infrastructure. The Royal Thai Police and Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau are also monitoring developments and assessing potential threats.
The prime minister raised concerns about reports of hackers remotely manipulating refrigeration temperatures, potentially causing food spoilage and financial losses. Although the incidents remain unverified, he warned that similar attacks could disrupt food distribution and create payment difficulties for suppliers.
Prime Minister Anutin directed the Ministry of Commerce to assess risks to Thailand’s food exports, including payment disputes with overseas buyers, and called for a careful review of commercial credit terms and trade insurance options to protect Thai businesses from financial losses and fraudulent claims involving damaged goods. (NNT)
