The committee’s vice chairman, Settapong Malisuwan, said that at present the world not only sees connectivity between humans and Internet but also between devices and devices or the Internet of Things.

Easier access to the Internet would lead to improvement in countries’ competitiveness, but also expose people to cybercrimes or cyberattacks.

As Thailand is entering the 5G era, which will provider faster wireless data access, this exposes Thailand to greater cyberthreat.

The committee will also be stricter in examining imported devices such as electronic communication devices, medical equipment with Internet connection, and digital equipment to be used by the banking system. All of them have high risk of cyberattacks.

The development of Thailand’s telecommunications system and the prevention of cyberattacks must come together, Settapong added.

The committee will call in related parties, including the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, for discussions on ways to step up cybersecurity, said Settapong, who is a former NBTC commissioner.