The cabinet has approved in principle two bills that will allow the state to monitor the financing of non-government organisations and regulate their activities.
Deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said on TV Wednesday that one bill would set up a committee for the promotion and development of civil sector organisations, and the other would allow the government to supervise their activities and financial support.
She said the planned legislation would allow NGOs to seek financial support from the government, but they must register with the Interior Ministry.
They would be required to report their financiers and the amounts they receive, and have their accounts audited, and their activities must be within the law.
"This is not intended to limit their rights, but is aimed at ensuring that money they receive will be properly used and their activities will be conducted in accordance with the objectives of non-profit organisations, for true benefits," Ms Rachada said.
Violators would be liable to criminal punishment, she said but did not detail the proposed penalties. Final details of the bills would await public hearings, which would include input from NGOs' representatives, she said.
There were about 100 NGOs in the country. Many were not registered and received money from other countries, Ms Rachada said.