Thailand hosted the 8th ASEAN Police Forensic Science Network Meeting in Bangkok on 9 March 2026, bringing together forensic police officials from across Southeast Asia to strengthen cooperation against cybercrime, online scams and cross-border criminal networks. The meeting was opened at 09.00 by Police Lieutenant General Itthipol Itthisanronnachai, Assistant Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, at the Chatrium Grand Bangkok Hotel.
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The event forms part of regional cooperation under ASEANAPOL and follows Thailand’s role as host of the 43rd ASEAN Chiefs of Police Conference held from 3–7 November 2025. Representatives from ASEAN member states including Thailand, Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam attended the meeting. Police Lieutenant General Aticha Pao-in, Commander of the Police Forensic Science Office, and Police Lieutenant General Direk Thanannonniwat, Adviser (Level 8), were among Thai officials participating.
According to the Police Forensic Science Office, the ASEAN Police Forensic Science Network aims to strengthen forensic capabilities, encourage knowledge sharing and promote best practices to support criminal investigations and improve the effectiveness of justice systems in the region. Discussions during the meeting focused particularly on combating transnational fraud networks, including call-centre scams and online deception schemes that increasingly rely on complex technologies.
Officials said addressing such crimes requires the integration of several forensic disciplines, including digital forensics, financial analysis, biological testing and DNA examination. These tools help investigators identify suspects and collect reliable evidence to support prosecutions. The meeting also served as a platform for professional networking and regional collaboration among forensic specialists.
Participants from ASEAN police forces presented case studies and experiences involving scammer networks and online fraud operations. Technical discussions covered digital evidence collection, biological and DNA analysis, firearms and ammunition examination, and other forensic procedures relevant to modern criminal investigations.
On 10 March 2026 at 13.30, delegates are scheduled to attend a laboratory tour at the Central Institute of Forensic Science under the Police Forensic Science Office. The visit will include demonstrations of operational procedures and simulated evidence collection involving digital devices and firearms.
Thai forensic officials said the demonstrations aim to showcase investigative techniques and allow participants to exchange practical knowledge. The activities also align with the broader objectives of the 43rd ASEAN Chiefs of Police Conference, which emphasised cooperation in tackling online fraud, human trafficking and call-centre scam networks.
The commander of the Police Forensic Science Office stated that Thailand remains among the leading ASEAN countries in forensic science capabilities. While some nations with stronger economies may possess more advanced technology, Thailand’s forensic laboratories are considered among the most developed in the region.
The Royal Thai Police has continued investing in modern equipment and training to strengthen forensic analysis in response to evolving cybercrime threats. Officials noted that criminal groups constantly adapt their tactics, requiring law enforcement agencies to improve expertise and coordinate closely with international partners.
Thai authorities said many online scam operations are based in one country but target victims in another, making cross-border information sharing essential. Investigations often rely on forensic data such as DNA databases, identity records and digital evidence, particularly when Thai nationals commit crimes abroad where domestic police cannot directly enforce the law.
Thaitabloid reported that police added that recent government crackdowns on call-centre scam networks have led to a gradual decline in such crimes and a reduction in overall financial losses. However, authorities warned that scammers continue to use familiar tactics such as romance scams and schemes targeting elderly victims, while younger people may become future targets.
Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 10 Mar 2026