Activist groups demand cybercrime law changes

Human rights groups want changes to the Computer Crime Act, which they say is just a state tool to curb freedom of expression.

Thai Net Citizens, the Campaign Committee for Human Rights, Human Rights Lawyer Association, Campaign for Popular Media Reform and Youth People for Democracy Movement are all calling for changes to what they say is a draconian law.

They cited the case of internet user Suvicha Thakhor, sentenced by the Criminal Court last month to 10 years in jail on charges of lese majeste and endangering national security. He was the first internet user sentenced under the law, which took effect two years ago.

The law was drafted by the now-dissolved National Legislative Assembly to prosecute anyone found to have posted information damaging the reputation of third parties.

Many internet websites were posting messages which authorities said posed a threat to national security and insulted the monarchy.

The organisations urged the public to seek a change under the constitution by gathering 10,000 signatures and submitting the petition to the House in support of an amendment.

"To help push for the amendment, a key organisation is needed to draft the changes and gather signatures as quickly as possible," Kan Yuenyong, a coordinator of Thai Net Citizens and the Siam Intelligence Unit, told a forum on the rights of internet users at Chulalongkorn University recently.

The groups also want the public to push for a law to protect the rights of internet users from government attempts to hack private information.

Supinya Klangnarong, coordinator of the Campaign for Popular Media Reform, said penalties under the Crime Act related to internet use should be amended because they are too severe.

"One month in jail is enough," said Ms Supinya.

Under the law, offenders can be imprisoned for 10 to 15 years.

The Information and Communications Ministry has blocked over 2,000 websites.