Report Thailand Aligns Cyber Policy with International Law and Human Rights

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Thailand has formally declared its stance on applying international law in cyberspace, emphasising that human rights laws extend to the digital realm. This was announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through a statement on Facebook.

 

The announcement follows comprehensive consultations involving major national players such as the Office of the Attorney General, the Council of State, the National Security Council, and the National Cyber Security Committee. Contributions also came from the Judge Advocate General’s Department, Defence Information and Space Technology Department, and various other ministries.

 

Thailand’s position paper addresses critical issues including sovereignty, non-intervention, the use of force, peaceful dispute resolution, and nation-state responsibility in cyberspace. It responds to the global call for countries to share their views on international law, as highlighted by the Open-ended Working Group focused on the use of information and communication technologies for international cooperation.

 

With this move, Thailand joins 32 countries and two international organisations—the African Union and the European Union—who have issued similar positions. This initiative aims to advance the global cyber order through international law while providing Thai agencies with a foundational guide for dealing with cyber operations.

 

Complementing this international stance, Thailand recently enacted a new cybercrime law, unveiled in April, focusing on curbing the misuse of personal data. Police Colonel Surapong Plengkham, Secretary General of the Personal Data Protection Committee, confirmed that the Royal Decree was published in the Royal Gazette on 21 April. This law stipulates strict penalties, with fines reaching up to 660,000 Thai Baht (approximately £14,000), for breaches of data protection.

 

By aligning its policies with international norms, Thailand is not only safeguarding its own cyberspace but also contributing to broader global efforts. This strategic positioning enhances Thailand’s role in international discussions surrounding the digital landscape, ensuring the country remains in step with global developments.

 

Thailand’s move highlights the critical importance of harmonising national policies with international legal frameworks to protect human rights in cyberspace. As digital interactions continue to evolve, such commitments are vital to maintaining a secure and responsible online environment, both nationally and internationally.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-07