IPA Trains DOPA Investigators in Five-Day Training in Bangkok to Strengthen Online Child Protection Efforts
27 Mar 2026
From March 23–27 2026, investigators from Thailand’s Department of Provincial Administration (DoPA) participated in a five-day specialized training program, held at the Plimplace Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand.
In partnership with Silent Bridge, the training was led by International Protection Alliance (IPA), with instructors from both the Malaysia and Thailand teams.
Investigators from various DOPA divisions attended the course, which focused on strengthening their ability to conduct online investigations related to online child sexual exploitation. The training combined classroom instruction, case studies, and practical exercises designed to enhance both digital and field-based investigative capabilities.
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These technical skills are necessary in bringing offenders to justice, locating and rescuing exploited children. IPA believes in equipping these frontliners with the skills, software, and hardware needed to fight against this evolving landscape of hyper-digitalization and exploitation.
Foundamental Digital Investigation Skills
Day 1 focused on building foundational digital investigation skills led by one of Internation Protection Alliance (IPA) co-founders, Chad M who is a veteran of online investigations. Participants were taught about IP addresses, how to geolocate them, and how to resolve them to potential suspect locations through internet service providers.
The group was also taught on the different types of online exploitation, including child sexual abuse material (CSAM) distribution, grooming, and sextortion.
The training then moved into photo and video analysis, with a focus on extracting EXIF data and metadata from electronic evidence. Investigators were introduced to open-source intelligence (OSINT) techniques and how to write and interpret OSINT reports.
OSINT involves utilizing accessible and free platforms to search for potential evidence and clues. The day concluded with practical exercises where students conducted photo analysis, extracted metadata, and used OSINT to identify possible locations from images.
Case Studies - Real World Investigations & Applications
Day2 training focused on various forms of online exploitation. Investigators from the IPA Thailand team presented two recent CSAM case studies, giving participants insight into real-world investigations and approaches.
Participants also discussed their own active cases and investigative strategies. Additionally, commonly used online investigative tools, including screen capture and video recording software, were introduced, with free software provided and instructions on integrating these tools into their work.
Operations - Field Craft
Day 3 centered on field operations, providing participants with training in several areas, including operational planning, briefings, surveillance techniques, counter-surveillance, and foot follows.
Damian, co-founder of IPA, along with investigators from the IPA Thai team, showcased various techniques employed during field operations and shared best practices.
The day also included engaging discussions on human intelligence (HUMINT) and the cultivation of sources, emphasizing how human intelligence (information obtained through dialogues with informed individuals) can significantly improve online investigations and operational planning.
Uncover Techniques
Day 4 focused on undercover (UC) techniques, such as UC chat and creating undercover personas. Participants learned to develop sock and undercover accounts, with examples from recent cases.
Teams searched for active online targets, conducted OSINT on live accounts, and organized their findings into reports. They also prepared for the final exercise by planning their investigative strategy in assigned roles.
Simulated Operations - Practical Exercise
The last day featured a hands-on team exercise where each group undertook a simulated operation. This included activities such as:
- Surveillance;
- Obtaining a suitable identification photograph;
- Foot follows; and
- Undercover interaction with a target
Teams were continuously observed and assessed during the exercise, with members of the IPA Thailand team participating as role players and observers.
While some teams participated in the exercise, others received supplemental training on digital triage of electronic evidence and field device previewing.
Help Us Continue the Fight
The International Protection Alliance (IPA) supports global law enforcement in combating online child exploitation through investigative support, training, and survivor assistance, aiming to ensure a safer digital environment for children.
Training initiatives, such as the one held in Thailand, demonstrate the power of international collaboration. However, continuous efforts and resources are essential to effectively address online threats.
Subscribe & support today in our mission today.