Deputy PM urges armed forces to be prepare for cyberwarfare

BANGKOK, Feb 26 (TNA) -- Deputy Prime Minister/Defence Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon has ordered all departments attached to the Ministry of Defence and the armed forces to prepare itself to defend against cyberwarfare. Lt Gen Kongcheep Tantravanich, the spokesman for the Ministry of Defence told reporters after the meeting of the Defence Council today that Gen Prewit who chaired the meeting wanted the all ministry's department to place the highest priority on cyberwarfare which is another dimension of modern warfare. In light of the speed and ferocity of such attacks, vital training and preparation must be made not dissimilar to those made for conventional warfare. Gen Prawit ordered all departments to begin making preparations to reform the armed forces in accordance with the 1st phase of the Cyber Defence Masterplan for 2017-2021. A Ministry of Defence's Cyber Centre and cyber operation units have already been setup and work is underway to exponentially increase their capabilities and state-of-readiness. Meanwhile, the meeting also acknowledge the official visit by representatives from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) scheduled for the end of February. The spokesman said Gen Prawit ordered all relevant departments and in particular the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4 to prepare for the OIC's tour of three southernmost provinces. OIC representatives will be shown the progress being made in the southern peace process. He said this will reflect directly on the government's initiative to bring about peace and prosperity in the south of Thailand and every effort must expended to ensure the success of the visit. (TNA)