Thailand’s PM Paetongtarn reveals scam attempt asking her for ‘a donation’

Recounting the scam incident on Wednesday, Paetongtarn said she had received a message delivered in a “very clear” voice similar to that of a well-known world leader on her phone, according to a CNN report.

Paetongtarn said the message was likely generated by an artificial intelligence system. After missing a phone call from the same number, the Thai leader received another message.

“They sent another voice message asking for a donation, saying, ‘You are the only country in [the Association of Southeast Asian Nations] that hasn’t donated yet,’ emphasising it. I was taken aback for a moment and realised something was off,” she added.

Thai authorities are currently investigating the attempt to scam Paetongtarn using deepfake technology, according to a report by Bangkok Post.

Trairong Phiewphan, commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, said on Thursday that the agency believed the incident involved a crime syndicate operating in a neighbouring country.