Embassy of Sri Lanka in Bangkok Participates in the International Conference on the Global Partnership against Online Scams in Bangkok

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), successfully co-hosted the International Conference on the Global Partnership against Online Scams in Bangkok, Thailand. The Conference aimed to strengthen and complement ongoing regional and international efforts to combat online scams and to enhance global cooperation to address existing operational gaps in tackling this complex form of transnational crime. The event brought together over 300 participants from 60 countries, including ministerial-level representatives, senior officials, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society.

During the opening ceremony, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, underscored the urgent need for enhance global cooperation in responding to online scams occurring at an industrial scale across borders. The UNODC Regional Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific commended Thailand’s leadership, highlighting that online scams cause enormous economic losses and are closely linked to other serious crimes, including trafficking in persons, cybercrime, and money laundering. UNODC reaffirmed its readiness to continue supporting the Global Partnership against Online Scams.

During the Conference, the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to Thailand, E.A. S. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe conveyed Sri Lanka’s sincere appreciation to the Government of Thailand for its vital assistance in the rescue of Sri Lankan nationals stranded in cyber scam centers in Myanmar. She emphasized the importance of regional solidarity, coordinated operational responses, and international cooperation in safeguarding victims and addressing cyber-enabled human trafficking. The Ambassador highlighted Sri Lanka’s national digital transformation agenda, including initiatives such as GovPay, the eBMD system for overseas Sri Lankans, and expanded digital public services, while acknowledging the growing risks arising from the misuse of digital platforms for scams and forced criminality. The Ambassador further outlined the country’s strengthened legislative and institutional responses, including the Online Safety Act, Computer Crimes Act, and Personal Data Protection Act, alongside coordinated efforts by law enforcement agencies, Sri Lanka CERT, and anti-human trafficking mechanisms.

The Conference featured a High-Level Segment and two thematic panel discussions. The first panel focused on justice responses from investigation to prosecution, emphasizing human rights–based, victim-centred approaches and challenges such as distinguishing victims from perpetrators and ensuring timely consular assistance. The second panel examined tracking illicit financial flows and technology-enabled crimes, highlighting the critical role of the private sector, financial institutions, and social media platforms in scam prevention and disruption. During the working dinner hosted by the Prime Minister of Thailand, H.E. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, reaffirmed the Government’s strong political will on combating online scams as a top national priority and requires collective international action.

The Conference concluded with the adoption of the 2025 Bangkok Joint Statement by the Global Partnership against Online Scams, co-sponsored by Peru, Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates, Nepal, and TikTok.

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29 December 2025