The architect of the government's 10 controversial "digital economy" bills defended the proposed policies at a media seminar yesterday, arguing the laws are necessary to drive economic growth.
Surangkana Wayuparb, chief executive of the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA), told a gathering at the Thai Journalists Association that trade and business are increasingly conducted over computer networks, which has created a need for new regulations on electronic transactions, cyber security and cyber privacy.
But it is concerns about government intrusion on privacy that have drawn opposition to a raft of laws drafted by the ETDA as part of the digital economy push, under the Information and Communication Technology Ministry.
The cabinet approved eight of them Jan 7 and gave preliminary approval to the others in December.
The cyber security bill, in particular, has sparked outcry among experts and privacy activists who have urged its revision, saying it opens the door to abuse of power by the state.
Section 35 would allow the national cyber security committee, established under the bill, to gain access to people's personal information through email, telegraph, fax and electronic devices in the name of national security.
Critics said the section does not say whether authorities would require court approval or not, raising fears it would lead to human rights and privacy violations as well as turn away foreign investment, especially by global internet firms wanting to invest in data and web servers in Thailand.
Chakkrit Permpoon, president of the National Press Council of Thailand, urged the government to revise the bills, saying they give too much power to a state that does not have enough specialists to make informed decisions about enforcing digital and computer-related laws.
Korkhet Chanthalertlak, president of the News Broadcasting Council of Thailand, said the bills would hinder the media's efforts to do its job.