Strengthening cyber diplomacy: Clingendael Academy delivers training in Thailand

Building strong diplomatic ties is crucial for enhancing cyber security at all levels—from national to regional and global. Clingendael Academy’s cyber team provided a three-day Cyber Diplomacy Training in Bangkok, Thailand. This training was organised in close cooperation with our partners at Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs (DVIFA) and the International Security Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand.

The group consisted of 30 professionals from a wide range of backgrounds, including representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence, and the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA). 

The training took place at a timely moment, coinciding with the recent publication of Thailand’s National Position on International Law in Cyberspace. Several topics addressed in this position, such as sovereignty and attribution, were also integrated in the training programme and explored in connection with the UN Normative Framework for responsible state behaviour. Participants further dived into the cyber threat landscape for their region, followed by a session focused on commercial spyware in particular. A key highlight was the cyber crisis simulation, which offered participants the opportunity to practice inter-agency cooperation in a realistic and high-pressure scenario – combining all elements discussed in the training.

We are very grateful for the time, engagement, and dedication of all participants, which led to insightful and constructive exchanges. We also warmly thank the Dutch Embassy for their valuable contribution, including insights into the Dutch International Cyber Strategy, as part of the broader programme. Our sincere thanks go to all partners for their indispensable support in making this training a success!