The Business Software Alliance (BSA), a US trade group founded by Microsoft, is supporting the government's enactment of the National Cybersecurity Act and Personal Data Protection Act.
The group said the acts provide an effective cybersecurity and data protection framework in line with internationally recognised standards.
The passage of the law by the junta-appointed National Legislative Assembly has been widely condemned elsewhere as “cyber martial law” because it gives authorities considerable power to counter vaguely defined “cyber threats that affect or may affect public order or national security”. The Asia Internet Coalition said it was "deeply disappointed" by the law.
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The BSA said the acts would increase participation in the digital economy and encourage development and adoption of new services and technologies contributing to the goals of Thailand 4.0.
“The enactment of the National Cybersecurity Act and Personal Data Protection Act represent important steps in ensuring consumers and businesses alike can trust in and reap the maximum benefits from data-driven innovations like artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things,” said Jared Ragland, senior director of policy at the BSA.
Cybersecurity threats and risks to personal data are global in nature, and so must be the response, the BSA said.
“The group commends the government for getting input from the private sector and other interested stakeholders while developing the laws, and encourages further open communication with the private sector and global companies,” Mr Ragland said.
The BSA said it looks forward to working closely with the government to address outstanding concerns regarding the implementation of the laws and aligning Thailand’s cybersecurity and personal information protection policies with internationally recognised best practices when developing, implementing and using effective cybersecurity and personal data protection rules.