HKU School of Governance and Policy (SGP) hosted the Honourable Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana, former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, as a speaker in the Global Leaders Series during the Inaugural Week on 29 April 2026 at the Senate Room, The University of Hong Kong. His lecture, titled Transnational Scams and the Digital‑Age Death Penalty Debate, has explored the growing challenges posed by digital-era crime. The session was moderated by Professor Kenneth Wong, Director and Kerry Group Professor in Public Policy, School of Governance and Policy, with commentary by Professor Cheng Li, Professor, School of Governance and Policy; Founding Director, Centre on Contemporary China and the World.

Mr. Thepkanjana explored how technological advances have transformed traditional fraud into an increasingly complex transnational industry. He highlighted the scale and sophistication of contemporary scam networks, which operate across jurisdictions and exploit regulatory gaps, weak governance, and global financial systems. He noted that such crimes not only generate significant financial loss but also undermine institutional trust and cause long-term psychological harm to victims.

The lecture concluded with a Q&A session, in which participants engaged with Mr. Thepkanjana on matters such as cross-border enforcement, financial regulation, and the role of punitive measures. The exchange supported informed discussion and highlighted key considerations for strengthening international cooperation in addressing transnational crime.

Abstract

The rapid expansion of digital technology has enabled scam crime to evolve into a sophisticated transnational threat with profound economic, social, and governance implications. This lecture will examine the structural transformation of contemporary scam networks, focusing on their cross-border operations, increasing industrialization, adoption of emerging technologies, and ability to exploit regulatory and legal gaps across jurisdictions. It will also explore the need for comprehensive policy responses, including stronger international cooperation, enhanced financial intelligence and asset-tracing capabilities, greater regulatory accountability for digital platforms, and improved public digital literacy.

In light of recent cases in which certain offenders have received capital punishment, the speaker will draw on personal experience from his tenure in both the judiciary and political office to revisit the debate on the role of capital punishment. The lecture will consider broader issues of justice, deterrence, policy effectiveness, and the evolving landscape of international legal norms.

About Global Leaders Series

The Global Leaders Series is the flagship initiative of HKU School of Governance and Policy, dedicated to bringing eminent global leaders, policymakers, and thinkers to the University of Hong Kong for public dialogue, student engagement, and policy exchange. By hosting former heads of state, Nobel laureates, leaders of international organizations, and renowned experts from across the globe, the Series provides a dynamic platform for academics, policymakers, practitioners, and the wider community to address the most pressing societal challenges of our time.