On 25 February 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the European Union, Global Affairs Canada, the Netherlands, and France, supported by the EU project "Enhancing the EU’s Security Cooperation in and with Asia and the Indo-Pacific" (ESIWA+), organized a workshop titled "Cyber Crisis Communication: Diplomatic Perspectives and Experience Sharing" at Vithes Samosorn. The event brought together over 50 representatives from relevant agencies to exchange perspectives and best practices on cyber crisis communication within a diplomatic framework.

Mrs. Sirilak Niyom, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing that modern cyber threats have evolved into complex issues intertwined with national security and geopolitics. She noted that effective response requires inter-agency cooperation and the integration of technical, legal, and diplomatic expertise. She further highlighted that accurate and verified communication is vital for de-escalating tensions, providing better understanding, and maintaining public trust during sensitive situations.

H.E. Mr. Remco van Wijngaarden, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Thailand, underscored the importance of multilateral cooperation, adherence to international rules, and the exchange of best practices in addressing cyber threats that could impact public services and social stability. He also stressed that effective coordination and a rules-based international order are key factors in enhancing digital security.

Ms. Sara Rezoagli, Chargé d’Affaires of the European Union Delegation to Thailand, spoke on the close and ongoing cooperation between the EU and Thailand in cybersecurity, particularly under the ESIWA+ project. She emphasized that cyber issues have gained significant strategic dimensions and that state actions should be grounded in international law and norms of responsible state behavior. In this regard, the EU has developed various diplomatic tools in order to provide preventive support and to respond to cyber operation that may have international impact.    

The workshop featured presentations and experience-sharing sessions by international experts, including Mr. Frederic Margotton, Cyber Attaché for ASEAN, High Commission of Canada in Singapore; Mr. Andrea Calderaro, Director of EU Cyber Direct; Ms. Stephanie de Ridder, Counsellor Cyber Diplomacy from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Singapore; and Mr. Mahe Dersoir, Deputy Director Cybersecurity from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. Key topics included the evolving cyber threat landscape, the application of international legal frameworks, and strategic communication. The experts also captured viewpoints on the “Attribution Framework.” It is noted that identifying perpetrators is a process requiring both technical assessment and policy consideration, which shall take into account the broader impacts on international relations, state credibility and stability in general. The experts emphasized that the communication framework must be implemented through a cautious and phased approach in accordance with international law.   

Representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Natthaphon Sapsinsoonthon, Head of the International Security Unit, and Mr. Artsith Katawetawaraks, Counsellor, Information and Communication Technology Center, presented an overview of Thailand's technical preparedness and cyber crisis management guidelines. They focused on internal coordination, meticulous information screening, and the strategic use of diplomatic channels tailored to specific contexts.

This initiative marks a significant step in strengthening cybersecurity cooperation between Thailand, the EU, Canada, the Netherlands, and France to jointly foster a secure, stable, and rules-based cyberspace. It also provided a valuable opportunity for Thai officials to learn from international experts and apply these insights to enhance national response mechanisms and effective crisis communication.

The ESIWA+ project aims to promote cooperation in four strategic areas: cybersecurity, maritime security, crisis management/hybrid threats, and counter-terrorism/preventing violent extremism. The project is co-funded by the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI), the German Federal Foreign Office, and the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and is co-implemented by Expertise France (EF) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).