Thai PM Receives AI Voice Scam Impersonating ASEAN Leader Requesting Donation
Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra reportedly received voice messages generated by AI technology impersonating a well-known world leader, requesting a donation on behalf of an ASEAN initiative. Thai authorities opened an investigation into the attempted scam, which they believe involved a crime syndicate operating from a neighboring country.
What happened
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand, received a voice message on her phone in a voice 'very clear' and similar to a well-known world leader, stating he was looking forward to seeing her and working together.
After she missed a call from the same number, a second voice message arrived the next day requesting a donation, saying Thailand was the only ASEAN country that had not yet donated. A follow-up text message requested money be sent to a bank account outside Thailand.
Reported impact
Paetongtarn said the incident caused her to be 'taken aback for a moment' before she realized something was wrong. No financial loss was reported, as she did not comply with the request.
Index analysis
Paetongtarn stated the message was likely generated by artificial intelligence technology. The Thai Prime Minister called on ASEAN to tackle online scams and misinformation in response to the incident.
Governance controls
Thai authorities' Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau opened an investigation into the scam attempt. The commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau stated the agency believed the incident involved a crime syndicate operating in a neighbouring country.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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