The government has rolled out a framework for better protection of six pieces of national IT infrastructure and approved a fund of 350 million baht to build the capacity of 1,000 cyber security personnel.
Digital Economy and Society Minister Pichet Durongkaveroj said the framework was approved at a meeting of the national cyber security committee to help the country better cope with modern cyber security threats including information theft.
The framework covers six branches of national IT infrastructure -- telecommunications; national security and public services; transportation and logistics; banking and finance; energy and public utilities; and public health.
Under the framework, authorities are expected to identify cyber threats or sources of attacks, take preventative measures, conduct surveillance, enhance security and restore and rehabilitate damaged systems.
Mr Pichet said the committee meeting chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has also endorsed a plan to train a total of 1,000 cyber security personnel covering system administrators, users and technicians from across the public sector.
A total of 350 million baht will be drawn from the Digital Economy and Society Fund, he said.
The minister also said the country's efforts are expected to be bolstered following the setting up of the Asean-Japan Cybersecurity Capacity Building Centre with support from the Japanese government.
Mr Pichet said the committee has approved a temporary cyber security agency which will team up with the Electronic Transactions Development Agency and Thailand Computer Emergency Response Team in cyber security protection.
According to the minister, the cabinet is expected to set up a permanent cyber security body soon in compliance with the cyber security law.
"This means Thailand has engaged in a cyber security system and we aim to make the country among top 20 countries with cyber security preparedness," he added.
Speaking before the meeting, Gen Prayut said it is imperative for authorities to push for the enforcement of the data protection law.
He said the law will ensure the country's data privacy is in accordance with global international standards and will meet internet users' concerns.