Ethics at Risk: Navigating the AI Dilemma and the Tech Trap

Hosted by Asian Research Center for Migration (ARCM), Institute of Asian Studies, Chulalongkorn University, in collaboration with ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and  Children (ACWC) Thailand, Department of Special Investigation (DSI), Ministry of Justice, and Internet Foundation for the Development of Thailand.

This session explores the ethical risks associated with the misuse of  artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. From surveillance and manipulation to  exploitation and harm, we’ll examine how innovation can be co-opted for unethical purposes— and what frameworks, safeguards, and responses are needed to stay ahead of the tech trap.

#EthicsAtRisk #TechTrap #AIethics #AIgovernance

Agenda

• 10:45 - 10:50 -- Opening Remarks and Introduction

  • By Asst. Prof. Dr. Ratchada Jayagupta, the Chair, setting the scene and purpose of the session.

• 10:50 - 12:00 -- Panel discussion

  • Pol. Capt. Khemachart Prakaihongmanee. Director, Bureau of Technology and Cyber Crime, Department of Special Investigation, Ministry of Justice.

  • Mr. Montri Stapornkul. Head of Data Protection Division, True Corporation Public Company Limited.

  • Dr. Srida Tanta-atipanit. Chief Executive Officer, Internet Foundation for the Development of Thailand.

  • Pol. Lt. Col. Thanatus Kangruambutr. Deputy Superintendent of Cyber Support Unit, High-Tech Crime Division (HTCD), Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), Royal Thai Police.

  • Mr. Ben Leechaianan. Head of Public Policy, Thailand, Facebook (Limited).

  • Pol. Lt. Col. Prawit Wongkasem. Deputy Superintendent, CCID2, Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), Royal Thai Police.

• 12:00 - 12:20 -- Q&A

• 12:20 - 12:30 -- Wrap-up and Closing Remarks

Rationale

In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming deeply embedded in everyday life, its dual capacity to either empower or endanger society can no longer be ignored. While AI continues to drive innovation and enhance efficiency across sectors, it also exposes critical systemic vulnerabilities—ones that can be exploited when technology falls into the wrong hands. Whether through state surveillance, corporate manipulation, or criminal misuse, AI is increasingly being weaponized in ways that threaten rights, dignity, and democratic norms.

This panel discussion is convened as a critical space to examine these emerging risks and ethical tensions. It seeks to bring together experts across disciplines to explore the moral and systemic challenges posed by the misuse of AI and emerging technologies. Drawing from real-world cases, participants will unpack how seemingly neutral innovations can be co-opted for harmful ends and interrogate the social, legal, and institutional blind spots that allow such misuse to occur.

Based on a pressing question: As we race to develop increasingly advanced technologies, are we also advancing the ethical frameworks and safeguards needed to ensure AI serves the public good—rather than becoming a “technology trap” that deepens inequality, enables control, or erodes trust.

Through this session, participants will collaboratively seek solutions and policy recommendations to address the growing AI dilemma. The discussion will aim to identify and outline principles for responsible innovation, human-centered design, and rights-based governance that can guide future deployment of AI systems. In doing so, we hope to lay the foundation for adaptable, forward-looking mechanisms that not only mitigate harm but also maximize the transformative potential of AI for social good.

This convening is envisioned as a space of collective intelligence, inviting reflection, foresight, and strategic alignment among researchers, policymakers, technologists, and civil society leaders. By surfacing critical questions and co-creating actionable insights, we aim to move closer to an AI future that safeguards human dignity, advances democratic values, and aligns with the broader goals of sustainable and inclusive development.

Objectives

1. To explore the ethical risks associated with the misuse of artificial intelligence and  emerging technologies. 

2. To examine how innovation can be co-opted for unethical purposes—and what  frameworks, safeguards, and responses are needed to stay ahead of the technology trap. 

3. To search for possible solutions/recommendations to overcome the AI dilemma and  the technology trap. 

Expected Output/Outcome

To provide a comprehensive understanding of the ethical challenges and potential harms  arising from the misuse of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. By examining real world cases and systemic vulnerabilities, participants will gain critical insights into how these  technologies may be exploited by state actors, corporations, or criminal entities for purposes  such as surveillance, manipulation, exploitation, and other forms of harm. The discussion is  expected to inform the development of ethical, legal, and rights-based frameworks that promote  responsible innovation.

Moreover, the session aims to foster dialogue on establishing effective  safeguards, recommendations and policy responses that can mitigate risks while ensuring that  AI technologies are leveraged in ways that uphold human dignity, democratic values, and public  interest.

Strategic Partners and Stakeholders

• Asian Research Center for Migration (ARCM), Institute of Asian Studies, Chulalongkorn University.

• ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC) Thailand — For Women’s Right Office.

• Department of Special Investigation (DSI), Ministry of Justice.

• Internet Foundation for the Development of Thailand.

• Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, Royal Thai Police.

• True Corporation Public Company Limited.

• Facebook (Limited).

Target Audience

• AI professionals engaged in the research, development, and application of artificial intelligence technologies.

• Academics, particularly from the social sciences and humanities, seeking to establish a foundational understanding of AI.

• Policy makers responsible for addressing the societal, economic, and governance implications of AI.

• Technology developers dedicated to incorporating ethical principles into AI system design and deployment.

• General public and AI users, including consumers who may be directly or indirectly affected by AI systems.

• Private sector leaders, industry representatives, and technology firms that play a central role in AI innovation and deployment.

• Sectors and communities significantly impacted by AI, including those in education, labor, and vulnerable populations.

Bios

Chair

Assistant Professor Dr. Ratchada Jayagupta is a Director of Asian Research Center for Migration (ARCM), Institute of Asian Studies, Chulalongkorn University, and Representative of Thailand to the ACWC – for Women’s Rights, a Member of National Anti-Trafficking in Persons Committee (ATP Committee), and Sub-Committee on the Implementation of the Coordinated Mekong Ministerial Initiative Against Trafficking (COMMIT).

The Minister of Justice presented the 'Yutitham Thamrong' insignia and certificate of honor for the year 2024 to those who have rendered distinguished service. H.E. Dr. Ratchada Jayagupta, Representative of Thailand to the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC) – for Women's Rights in her capacity as a women’s rights expert and Director of the Asian Research Center for Migration, a center of excellence on migration and development at the Institute of Asian Studies, Chulalongkorn University, received the Fourth-Class Yutitham Thamrong insignia, a mark of distinguished recognition.

In addition, in August 2018, she received the distinguished award from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), Ministry of Justice, Thailand: the Network Model Award 2018, in saluting her collaboration with DSI on the prevention and protection of organised crime in Thailand and Southeast Asia.

Her areas of expertise are Voluntary and Forced Migration; Female Labour, Migrant Worker, People Smuggling, Human Trafficking, Modern Slavery, Statelessness, the Promotion of Women’s Participation and Decision Making in Politics, and the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of  Women and Children.

Panelists

• Pol. Capt. Khemachart Prakaihongmanee is the Director of Bureau of Technology and Cyber Crime at the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), Thailand. He has strong background in investigation and interrogation. His numerous accolades include Investigator of the Year and Thailand's Most Outstanding Civil Servant. With over 30 years of experience and expertise, he is recognized as an expert in the investigation of computer-facilitated crimes and transnational crimes including crimes against children.
  
  Apart from his current work, he is also a special lecturer at the Royal Police Cadet Academy and leading universities in Thailand. He is also a steering committee of theAnti-Online Scam Operation Center (AOC), the National Anti-Fake News Center, and the active member of the Thailand SafeInternet Coalition. Apart from investigation perspectives, he is a member of working groups to amend legislations e.g. the law on mental health, law on online child sexual exploitation offences.
  
  

• Mr. Montri Stapornkul is the Data Protection Officer at True Corporation, Thailand’s leading telecommunications and digital services provider. He oversees the company’s data privacy governance and ensures the lawful and ethical use of personal data across all business functions.
  
  In addition to his privacy leadership, Montri drives the adoption of Responsible AI (RAI) principles under the GSMA framework, focusing on fairness, accountability, and transparency in AI systems. He plays a key role in aligning True’s AI initiatives with regional and global standards, embedding RAI into product development and operational practices.
  
  Montri also works closely with law enforcement and regulatory bodies, balancing data protection duties with the need to combat cybercrime. He serves as a representative in regional initiatives such as the GSMA APAC Cross-sector Anti-Scam Taskforce, supporting cross-industry collaboration to build trust and safeguard users in the digital ecosystem.
  
  

• Dr. Srida Tanta-atipanit is the Chief Executive Director of the Internet Foundation for the Development of Thailand, a civil society organization that has worked for over 22 years to promote media and digital literacy, with a core mission to protect children from online harms.
  
  She leads ThaiHotline, a reporting channel for online child sexual abuse material and a member of INHOPE, a global network spanning more than 50 countries. Under her leadership, the foundation has driven national efforts to strengthen child online protection policies, support law enforcement and multidisciplinary teams, and promote child-friendly justice. Dr. Srida played a key role in initiating Thailand’s National Safer Internet Day.
  
  She also led the development of legal reforms addressing online child grooming and sextortion. The draft law has been adopted in principle by the Cabinet and is currently under parliamentary consideration. Her work continues to influence national and international collaboration to build safer online environments for children.
  
  

• Pol. Lt. Col. Thanatus Kangruambutr is a dedicated cybercrime investigator and law enforcement strategist working at the forefront of digital crime prevention and transnational financial crime.
  
  He currently serves as Deputy Superintendent at the Cyber Support Sub Division, Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), Royal Thai Police, where he leads cross border investigations into cryptocurrency fraud, online scams, and illicit financial networks. He has played a key role in coordinating with global partners including the FBI, HSI, Interpol, UNODC, and private sector firms like TRM Labs and Binance.
  
  His expertise spans crypto asset tracing, digital evidence gathering, and legislative frameworks for combating technology enabled crime. He has been selected to join the prestigious FBI National Academy (FBINA 293) in Quantico, Virginia in 2025.
  
  In 2025, He continues his mission to strengthen global cyber resilience by fostering cross sector collaboration and advancing law enforcement capacity in the digital age.
  
  

• Mr. Ben Leechaianan is the Head of Public Policy, Thailand for Facebook (Thailand), leading the development and implementation of policies and programs in Thailand. He collaborates closely with government and non-governmental partners to address critical issues, including child online safety, human trafficking, mental health, and well-being.
  
  With over 17 years of experience in safety, anti-trafficking, and child protection in Thailand, Ben previously worked at the Royal Thai Police, where he spearheaded programs and policy initiatives for Thailand. He holds a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Boston University and a Doctoral Degree in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University, USA.
  
  

• Pol. Lt. Col. Prawit Wongkasem is a distinguished cybercrime investigator and innovator, currently serving as Deputy Superintendent of Sub Division 1, Cyber Crime Investigation Division 2 (CCID2), under Thailand’s Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB). With over a decade of investigative experience and more than seven years in crime prevention, he brings a unique blend of operational insight and technological creativity to law enforcement.
  
  He is the creator of Cyber Check, a digital tool inspired by the “Smoke Signal Theory” and the “Good Water Drives Out Bad” principle empowering citizens to collectively report and counter cybercriminal activity through verified digital presence.
  
  Pol.Lt.Col. Prawit has received multiple national level awards for excellence in investigation and data analysis. As a guest lecturer, he regularly teaches investigative and cybercrime prevention courses, contributing to the next generation of digital era officers.

Presentation Files

• Ratchada Jayagupta

• Khemachart Prakaihongmanee

• Montri Stapornkul

• Srida Tanta-atipanit + "AI and Child" poster

• Thanatus Kangruambutr

Notes

• Summary