A public outcry over fears the draft cybersecurity law will give wider powers to authorities at the expense of individual privacy has led Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to retreat and order a review.
The move comes a day after Gen Prayut defended the controversial bill on the grounds that cybersecurity is a global challenge and the government needs the law to protect the public.
Critics are concerned the draft law is ill-defined, lacks check-and-balance mechanisms and might violate individuals' rights and privacy.
Government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said Wednesday the prime minister is aware of growing public concerns and has instructed legal experts to look into the matter.
Gen Prayut has yet to see a full report on the proposed law after its examination by the Council of State, according to the government spokesman.
Under the proposed law which is being tabled for public comments, a body known as the National Cybersecurity Committee will be set up to draw policies and action plans to boost cybersecurity.
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Authorities would also have broad powers including searching and seizing computer systems without a court warrant in efforts to mitigate serious cybersecurity threats -- elements that have sparked public concerns.
"If the draft law has details such as allowing officials to pry into personal information and private chats just because of security concerns, or searching and seizing devices without court approval or giving too much power to national security officials, these issues merit disagreement and thus the scope and criteria must be clearly defined," Lt Gen Sansern said.
The government spokesman said the prime minister has also urged the public not to become anxious because the bill has not yet been approved.
On the contrary, the draft will be subjected to a more thorough review, especially in the area of officials' use of power, he said.
Lt Gen Sansern said those in charge of examining the bill will also study cybersecurity laws in other countries, and ensure checks and balances are in place.
He said the public hearing process required by the new charter must be taken seriously and specialists may be invited to provide detailed information or answer people's questions when the draft legislation is put up for public input.
"This is to make sure we have a comprehensive regulatory structure that can protect, is fair and does not pose any obstacles to national development," he said.
Cybersecurity specialists are leading a campaign to put the brakes on the bill, saying the repercussions will be overwhelming if it is not revised.
Pol Col Yanapol Yangyuen, a member of a government-appointed committee on cybersecurity preparedness, said the new body is being given too much power in addressing cybersecurity threats.
He said the authorities are allowed to seize electronic devices, be they computers or smart phones, for examination for up to 30 days, and it does not matter if the devices belong to victims or suspected perpetrators.
He insisted a judicial review is necessary as a checks-and-balances tool while noting that penalties for non-compliance are also harsh with a proposed jail term of three years.
Anusorn Tamajai, dean of the economics faculty, Rangsit University, said the bill has several flaws that may hamper economic development, stifle innovation and undermine civil rights.
He said the bill fails to specify what the actual cybersecurity threats are while the creation of agencies responsible for critical information infrastructure is not comprehensive.
He suggested the draft law be put on hold and examined by the House of Representatives after the general election.
"The draft law should be put up for a wide debate and all stakeholders must get involved. Cybersecurity threats and cybersecurity must be clearly defined, for example, if online criticism against the government is considered a threat," he said.
Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam downplayed criticism of the bill, saying public feedback is welcome.
