The lights were still dimmed as the crowd filed into the crowded seminar room, their laptops and notebooks at the ready. It was August 8th, 2025, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had just co-hosted a high-stakes event to tackle one of the world's most pressing challenges: cybercrime.
As H.E. Mr. Russ Jalichandra, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, took the stage, the audience could sense the weight of history on their shoulders. This was no ordinary gathering; it marked a crucial moment in the EU's efforts to strengthen security cooperation with Southeast Asia – particularly Thailand – as part of its Enhancing the EU’s Security Cooperation in and with Asia and the Indo-Pacific (ESIWA+) project.
"Today, we are gathered at a critical juncture," Vice Minister Jalichandra declared. "Cybercrime is no longer just an economic issue; it's a threat to our very way of life. We must work together to safeguard digital societies and prevent scam."
The room erupted in applause as H.E. Mr. David Daly, EU Ambassador to Thailand, joined the stage alongside Professor Wisit Wisitsora-at, MDES Permanent Secretary. Their words carried the weight of decades of diplomatic efforts, tempered by a shared commitment to combating this growing menace.
"This is not just about cybercrime; it's about economic security," Ambassador Daly emphasized. "We need to strengthen our partnerships and share best practices to tackle online scams effectively."
Professor Wisitsora-at highlighted Thailand's leading role at the national and regional level in tackling online scams, a government priority that has earned recognition from international organizations. "Thailand's proactive approach will undoubtedly shape the way we combat cybercrime in the region," he noted.
The seminar brought together experts from both sides of the aisle to exchange views on combating online scams linked to other transnational crimes, strengthening legal and operational frameworks, and building public-private partnerships.
Mrs. Krongkanit Rakcharoen, Director-General of the Department of European Affairs, underscored the importance of enhancing Thailand-EU cooperation on policy and practices to better address online scams. "We must work together to create a digital future where our citizens can trust technology," she said.
As the audience dispersed, carrying with them valuable insights and new partnerships, one thing was clear: this moment marked the beginning of a new era in EU-SE Asia digital diplomacy. The stage had been set for cooperation that would have far-reaching implications for global security and economic stability.
Depth & Context
The roots of this partnership date back to the early 2000s when Thailand's cybercrime landscape began to shift with the emergence of online scams, identity theft, and money laundering. Since then, EU-SE Asia relations have evolved through a series of initiatives, including the 5th EU-ASEAN Forum on Cyber Security.
In recent years, Southeast Asian countries, particularly Thailand, have taken proactive steps to strengthen their cybersecurity frameworks. The country has also become an important player in regional efforts to combat cybercrime, hosting several key international events and participating in multilateral forums such as the ASEAN Intergovernmental Meeting on Cyber Security.
Future Impact & Insight
The immediate outcomes of this partnership will be significant: enhanced cooperation on policy and practices to address online scams; increased sharing of best practices and expertise between EU member states and Thai authorities; and strengthened partnerships with civil society, private sector, telecom providers, and digital platforms.
In the next 6 months, we can expect a surge in joint initiatives to tackle cybercrime in Southeast Asia. The EU-SE Asia Digital Diplomacy Forum will be launched, bringing together experts from both sides of the aisle to share knowledge and best practices.
However, the long-term implications are even more profound. Over the next 5 years, we can expect to see a fundamental shift in how governments approach cybersecurity cooperation. The partnership will set a precedent for other regions to follow, with significant potential to strengthen global security and economic stability.
Three Possible Scenarios
Best Case: The EU-SE Asia Cybersecurity Cooperation Partnership becomes a model for regional digital diplomacy, fostering collaboration and trust that drives meaningful progress against cybercrime.
Worst Case: The partnership fails to deliver due to divergent interests or lack of trust among partner nations, exacerbating the problem of online scams and cybercrime.
Most Likely: A balanced approach emerges, with regular joint exercises, information sharing, and capacity-building initiatives. While challenges will remain, cooperation will grow stronger over time, reflecting a shared commitment to safeguarding digital societies.
Conclusion
As the EU-SE Asia Cybersecurity Cooperation Partnership sets sail on this critical journey, one thing is certain: the stakes have never been higher. The world waits with bated breath as these nations work together to create a safer, more secure digital future for all.