Geneva: Thailand's Anti-Online Crime Center (AOC 1441) has been awarded the prestigious first prize by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) at the WSIS Prizes 2025. Deputy Prime Minister Prasit led the Digital Economy and Society (DE) team to accept the award in Geneva.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Prasert Jantarawongthong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, received The Winners award. Professor Emeritus Wisit Visitsora-at, Permanent Secretary of DE, was honored with the Champions award for the establishment of the Anti Online Scam Operation Center (AOC). The award ceremony took place during the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) +20 High Level Event 2025 at ITU Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Key figures such as Dr. Ekapong Harimcharoen, Inspector-General of DE and Director of AOC, and Ms. Yupaporn Sirikitpanichkul, Assistant Permanent Secretary of DE, were also present.
Mr. Prasert announced that the AOC project, under the Ministry of Digital Economy, secured the top prize in the category of building confidence and safety in information and communication technology. This accolade was among the 19 projects recognized for their exceptional role in promoting ICT for sustainable development. This year witnessed 973 project submissions from global agencies.
The recognition underscores Thailand's success in combating online crimes and call center scams, setting an example for other nations. Mr. Prasert emphasized the importance of international collaboration to establish Thailand as a regional hub for proactive efforts against online crime networks.
The AOC serves as Thailand's primary mechanism to address online fraud. Established on November 1, 2023, it focuses on four main objectives: swiftly freezing criminals' accounts, ensuring victims receive justice, expediting refunds, and enhancing the prosecution of cybercriminal networks.
According to the AOC report, the center has managed over 1.18 million cases, thwarted more than 20 billion baht in economic losses, and reduced online crime damages by 42% since its inception.
Winning the WSIS Prizes 2025 marks a significant milestone for Thailand, showcasing the nation's capability to apply digital technology effectively and safely. This achievement serves as motivation for all officers working tirelessly to protect the public from online threats. Deputy Prime Minister Prasert affirmed the commitment to further develop technology and foster national and regional cooperation, aiming for sustainable digital development.