Thai police develop influencers to combat cybercrime and aid public

National police chief Kittharath Punpetch is spearheading an innovative approach to bridge the gap between the Royal Thai Police (RTP) and the public by developing police influencers. This initiative aims to establish a direct connection with the community and serve as a primary resource for crime prevention and assistance.

Kittharath emphasises that RTP influencers will be accessible channels for public aid, aiming to shift public perception of the police and ensure that crime victims seek police assistance before turning to other sources. He believes this strategy will effectively counteract the rapidly evolving threats posed by online criminals.

This initiative is part of the broader Cyber Booster project, a collaborative effort by the Thai Media Fund, RTP, Online News Producers Association, and Thai PBS. The project is designed to create media content that strengthens public resilience against cyber threats.

The project was officially launched yesterday, November 11, with several key police figures in attendance.

Among them were Teeradej Thumsutee, chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s (MPB) Investigation Division, Pakrit Krittayapong of the Criminal History Registration Division, and Pitchpong Somkul and Pichayakorn Sukthawee, both of whom are involved with Khakinang TV, an RTP channel focused on enhancing public awareness and improving police-community relations.

Teeradej, who also founded the police’s IDMB Page, remarked that the Cyber Booster project represents a concerted effort to tackle online scams and a variety of cyber threats that defraud individuals. He stressed the importance of the public knowing where to seek assistance when needed.

New generation of officers

He highlighted the production of 17 video clips featuring a new generation of police officers who take on the roles of online idols to educate the public about these perils.

The featured officers include Thanyapirasit Julpipop, an MPB inspector; Nonthapat Intrarasuran, a deputy inspector with the Technology Crime Suppression Division; and Kansini Sitthichotpong, a media liaison officer with the MPB.

Kansini, who goes by the alias Lt. Panda expressed confidence in the project’s potential to assist the public due to the collaboration with various agencies, including media outlets. She stated that the project is more focused on equipping the public with knowledge and resilience against online scams than on enhancing the police’s image.

Despite the importance of prevention, Kansini affirmed that the police would continue to address crimes as they occur.

“Police possess unique skills. Some excel at tracking down criminals. I excel at communicating, so I use my skills to uncover these tactics. This is my contribution to minimising harm.”