Cyber cops unit to be set up

A cyber police unit will be set up to counter high-tech crimes. More than 1,700 "cyber police officers" will be stationed across the country to handle cases involving computer-related offences.

The cyber police bureau was approved in principle by national police chief Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda on May 28.

A meeting of the Police Commission chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has also considered setting up the unit.

Minister of Social Economy and Society Buddhipongse Punnakanta said the cyber police bureau will come under the police's Technology Crime Suppression Division.

It will be responsible for cybercrime and threats including "fake news".

The police unit is expected help expand technology crime suppression and help people in other provinces who want to file complaints.

As a result, arrests in cybercrime cases will be faster as officers can respond and arrive at the scene almost immediately, he said.

Set to be up and running within the next three months, the new police unit will comprise seven divisions with a total of 1,705 officers.

More than 1,000 officers will be transferred from investigation divisions of provincial police regions 1-9 in 76 provinces, while the rest will come from the metropolitan police bureau.