AI-Generated Deepfakes Target Thai Children as Global Internet Safety Day Highlights Digital Threats
Thailand has escalated digital safety to a national agenda as new data reveals that 93% of global child sexual abuse material involves children aged 3-13. This alarming trend is exacerbated by the increasing weaponization of artificial intelligence to create sophisticated deepfakes targeting young individuals.
The warning was issued during the Safer Internet Day 2026 conference held on February 9 in Bangkok, organized by several organizations including the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, UNICEF Thailand, and the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA).
Thailand’s Cybersecurity Strategy
At the conference, Deputy Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, Acting Sub Lt Thanasit Eiamananchai, outlined Thailand’s five-pillar cybersecurity strategy aimed at combating increasingly sophisticated online threats. He stated, “We are seeing criminals use AI to create realistic fake images, voices, and videos that are nearly impossible to distinguish from reality.”
Measures announced include:
- Immediate suspension of suspicious transactions through the AOC 1441 centre.
- New AI governance frameworks.
- Strict enforcement of the Personal Data Protection Act.
Disturbing Global Statistics
Dr. Pongthep Wongwatcharapaiboon, fund manager at ThaiHealth, cited findings from INHOPE, an international network combating child sexual exploitation, which reported 2.5 million suspected child abuse material cases in 2024. The majority of victims were primary school-aged children.
He warned that “AI is being used to create increasingly complex and violent sexual content involving children.” In Thailand, criminals are reportedly using AI to:
- Fake doctors’ faces and voices to mislead on e-cigarette safety.
- Create fraudulent business personas for investment scams.
- Digitally manipulate images for blackmail and extortion.
Multi-Dimensional Response Strategy
ThaiHealth announced a three-pronged approach to tackle this crisis:
- Legal Reform: Collaborating with experts to update legislation for the digital age.
- Digital Immunity Building: Developing youth leaders in media literacy and digital technology.
- Innovation for Vulnerable Groups: Initiatives like child-specific mobile SIM cards with content filtering systems.
Dr. Pongthep emphasized the need for advanced technological skills among law enforcement to ensure citizen safety in the era of AI crime.
Protecting Children at the Design Stage
UNICEF Thailand Representative, Ken Legins, stressed that online child protection should be integrated into technology design from the start. “In every classroom in Thailand, approximately three children have experienced online sexual abuse or exploitation,” he noted.
Associate Professor Jumpol Rodkhamdi highlighted the conference’s goal to equip citizens with skills to counter online threats, involving children and vulnerable populations in designing safety approaches.
Educational AI Governance Framework
ETDA Advisor Rear Admiral Worawit Techasupakul announced the launch of the “Ethical Digital & AI Governance for Education” framework, developed in collaboration with various educational institutions. The aim is to promote the Safety by Design concept, ensuring platforms prioritize safety from the beginning.
Thailand’s campaign aligns with the global Safer Internet Day 2026, marked on February 10 under the theme “Together for a better internet.” These initiatives emphasize core digital safety principles for vulnerable groups, particularly children, young people, and the elderly: “Don’t believe, don’t rush, don’t transfer.”
