The initiative equips local elderly residents with essential digital literacy and cybersecurity tactics to prevent online scams.

Khon Kaen University (KKU) organised the “Cyber Security for Smart Elderly: Using Technology Safely and Remaining Scam-Free” workshop on Wednesday, 10 June 2026. Hosted by the Legal and Communications Division under the university’s Good Relations Project for Surrounding Communities, the initiative focused on building digital immunity, securing mobile applications, and raising awareness of online fraud tactics among local senior citizens. The event attracted more than 50 participants, including university staff, students, and local residents, at the Pho Banlangthong Community Centre in Nai Mueang Sub-district, Mueang Khon Kaen District, Khon Kaen Province.

Mrs. Natsamol Tanakulrungsarit, Vice President for Legal and Communications, stated that the workshop aligns with Khon Kaen University’s “Beyond Good Governance” administrative policy, which focuses on social leadership, strengthening local communities, and fostering positive relationships between the university and its neighbours. Furthermore, a community survey conducted by the university revealed a shared concern among residents that online scammers have become increasingly prevalent, transforming cyber threats into a widespread social issue affecting people of all ages and professions. In response, KKU established this digital immunity programme to equip senior citizens with practical smartphone skills and self-defence techniques, encouraging them to share this knowledge within their families and communities to build a sustainable cybersecurity network.

Mrs. Pranom Suwanam, Chairperson of the Pho Banlang Thong Community, expressed appreciation for the university’s outreach. She noted that the community has a significant elderly population that relies heavily on smartphones for daily communication but often lacks experience in digital safety. Upon being contacted by KKU, she actively mobilised local senior citizens to attend the training. She remarked that while technology offers daily convenience, it also carries substantial risks if used without caution. Since modern cybercriminals frequently use sophisticated psychological tricks regarding financial rewards or urgent matters to cause panic, having KKU experts deliver this knowledge directly to the community centre serves as an invaluable opportunity to protect local seniors from falling victim to these schemes.

Assistant Professor Petch Imtongkham, Ph.D., Deputy Director for Information Infrastructure at the Office of Digital Technology, provided insights into prevailing online fraud methods and shared practical guidelines for daily self-protection. He introduced a simple “Cyber Protection Mantra” to counter digital fraudsters, emphasizing five core principles for smartphone users:

• Do not believe alarming stories or unexpected financial offers.

• Do not rush into any digital transactions, ensuring all details are thoroughly verified first.

• Do not transfer funds to unknown or suspicious accounts.

• Do not click unusual links attached to text messages or online platforms.

• Always call the official agencies or individuals directly involved to verify the claims before making a decision.

Participants expressed highly positive feedback regarding the workshop’s practical relevance. Mr. Sanit Sukamphon, a 79-year-old retired civil servant, shared that he regularly uses his smartphone for Line, Facebook, and mobile banking transfers to his grandchildren. He noted that the training provided him with up-to-date knowledge on One-Time Password (OTP) security, physical risk factors for the elderly in digital spaces, and methods for handling fraudulent phone calls. Additionally, he highlighted that the knowledge gained would help bridge the generational gap within his family, providing common technology topics to discuss with younger relatives, which fosters closer family bonds. He planned to share these safety guidelines with his wife and household members to ensure collective security against cyber threats.

The “KKU Promotes Liveable Communities” outreach project is scheduled to take place five times a year as a key mechanism supporting the university’s sixth strategic objective on good governance and social guidance. By addressing the specific needs of neighbouring populations through specialized institutional knowledge, the project strengthens public cooperation and reinforces the commitment of Khon Kaen University to driving social safety, enhancing the quality of life in surrounding communities, and promoting sustainable societal development.

View all event photos at https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1F7bv24qzU/

Photography: Boripat Thasee News : Korkhun Rianthong, Intern, Southeast Asian Studies Programme, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Khon Kaen University