Thailand’s Ministry of Defence will establish a Cyber Command Center in October to amplify the country’s digital security capabilities.
The initiative is a response to modern information and cyber-threats targeting international defense partners, Bangkok-based news agency The Nation reported.
The decision was made by Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang and announced by Political Affairs Spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub during a council meeting.
Jirayu mentioned that the upcoming cyber-command unit will be supported by other segments under Thailand’s armed forces, an update from The Bangkok Post stated.
Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF) Commander-in-Chief Gen. Songwit Noonphakdi will lead related projects to the center’s completion.
Once operational, the cyber arm will be headed by a lieutenant general and managed by teams sourced from the government’s Royal Development Projects and Security Coordination Center (RDPSCC).
Meanwhile, the new RDPSCC chief will take on the role of a major general, with the office to be transferred under the RTARF’s Armed Forces Development Command.
Major Cyber Transition
Jirayu noted at the council assembly that other efforts will be conducted in line with the Cyber Command Center program “by means of restructuring.”
Part of this is the transfer of the air force’s cyber center to the defense ministry’s Department of Information and Technology Communications and the launch of an electronic warfare division under the navy.
Additionally, the government will work on competency programs to produce and upskill cyber officers associated with these transitions.
Jirayu said that some RTARF personnel had already been sent to leading countries for the purpose.
For in-country training sessions, students will be assisted by the private sector, educational institutions, and other security agencies.
These preparations are expected to deliver 300 to 500 skilled personnel per year, according to the spokesperson.