Thai telcos to establish telecom CERT

1 min readUpdated Jun 4, 2025Mar 5, 20199:41 AM

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Eight Thai telecom operators have reportedly signed an agreement to establish a dedicated telecom computer emergency response team (CERT).

The operators, which include incumbents AIS, Dtac and True as well as state-owned operators TOT and CAT, will establish the CERT over the next 12 months.

The collaboration will initially involve sharing information about cyber threats, as well as collaborating on analytics to deal with threats to state agency websites and e-commerce sites.

Other signatories include Symphony Communication, CS Loxinfo and United Information Highway.

The move to establish a dedicated industry CERT is in line with the cybersecurity bill recently passed by Thailand’s National Legislative Assembly. The telecom body will be the second industry CERT to collaborate with the national CERT after the finance industry.

The telecom CERT will be self-regulated and managed by the Telecommunications Association of Thailand, the report states.

The association is seeking funding of 20 million baht ($630,000) from telecoms regulator NBTC to help pay for the establishment of the CERT. The full budget has not yet been set, but all members are expected to contribute.

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What this means

This collaborative cybersecurity initiative by Thai telcos, including AIS and True, represents a pragmatic step to protect critical infrastructure and e-commerce sites. Given the fragmented nature of previous security efforts, this unified approach under a self-regulated CERT, akin to a proactive defence mechanism, is likely to succeed. It pressures smaller operators to conform to higher security standards while strengthening the entire sector's resilience against evolving threats. While other Asian retail and lifestyle brands like Human Made and OCE expand physical footprints, this digital security investment addresses a more fundamental, pervasive risk. The next critical development will be the finalisation of the CERT's full budget and member contributions beyond the initial NBTC funding request.

Rajiv Menon · Retail News Asia newsroom

Questions & Answers

Which specific organisations are involved in establishing this telecom CERT?

The eight operators include incumbents AIS, Dtac and True, state-owned TOT and CAT, and other signatories Symphony Communication, CS Loxinfo, and United Information Highway. These companies have signed an agreement to establish the CERT.

What will be the initial focus of this new telecom CERT collaboration?

Initially, the collaboration will focus on sharing information about cyber threats. They will also work together on analytics to address threats targeting state agency websites and e-commerce sites.

How will the new telecom CERT be managed and regulated?

The telecom CERT will be self-regulated and managed by the Telecommunications Association of Thailand. This association is also seeking funding to help with the establishment costs.

What is the expected timeline for establishing the new CERT?

The operators are expected to establish the dedicated telecom CERT over the next 12 months. An agreement has already been signed by the participating companies to proceed with its creation.

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