Thai Trade Officials Monitor Cyberattacks on European Supermarket Refrigeration Systems
The Department of International Trade Promotion is assessing the impact of widespread cyberattacks on supermarket refrigeration units across Europe on Thai food exports.
The Thai Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) is closely monitoring a series of cyberattacks targeting supermarket refrigeration and freezer systems across Europe. According to DITP Director-General Warawut Somwangprasert, the agency has instructed commercial attachés in the region to evaluate potential disruptions to Thai food export orders. This initiative follows directives from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthumpun, aimed at safeguarding existing export markets and enhancing the competitiveness of Thai businesses amidst global trade volatility.
The attacks involve hackers compromising Internet of Things (IoT) control systems to remotely switch freezer units to defrost mode, raising temperatures to 50 degrees Celsius and spoiling fresh and frozen goods. As of November 5, 2026, the incidents have spread from France, where approximately 700 locations were affected, to at least 11 other nations, including Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Portugal. For residents and travelers in Europe, this may lead to temporary shortages or supply chain disruptions for specific imported food products. While the DITP is actively tracking the situation to protect Thai trade interests, the full extent of the economic impact on Thai exporters and the duration of these system vulnerabilities remain to be confirmed.
