Thai media rejects new Computer Bill

[webfact]

Thai media rejects new Computer Bill
By English News



BANGKOK, Oct 25 – Five Bangkok-based media organisations have protested against the draft amendment to the 2007 Computer Crime Act which is to be proposed to the Cabinet by the Information and Communication Technology Ministry (ICT).

In a joint statement released yesterday, the media groups said the bill would restrict freedom of expression and violate the people’s rights and freedom as given by the Constitution.

The ICT said the bill, which seeks to amend the 2007 Computer Crime Act, has gone through public referendum.

The bill’s opponents said the revised legislation would enable the authorities to easily block websites without having to be scrutinised by the ICT minister.

It breaches the people’s rights to information, lacks standards of training for responsible officials and grants excessive power to the authorities, said the joint network. They said that the bill could create fears among the public, that people would be reluctant to express opinions using online media.

The five opposing organisations included the Thai Journalists Association, Thai Broadcasting Journalists Association, Online News Providers Association and Information Technology Reporters and the Academic Specialists on Computer Law Group.

They said the amended bill was against the Internet communication infrastructure and aims to find fault on website operators, Internet and mobile phone service providers, and Internet users.

They called on the government to review the bill and conduct a larger-scale referendum while media representatives, Internet service providers, website operators and stakeholders must be invited to join in deliberating the bill. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-10-25

[bigbamboo]

Big Brother is coming..... in more ways than one.

[Thait Spot]

The iron grip tightens by the day.

What with the instructions sent out to provincial governors yesterday on top of the suppression of protest etc.........

[worgeordie]

Clamp down on all possible dissent,with the ultra strict libel laws here,

now strengthening the computer laws, all wrong doers will be able to

carry on with the corruption, whistle blowers,newspapers, and forums

on the Internet are going to be very careful what they say and write.

This is not just a trend here ,but more and more countries would like

there

citizens not to think,say nothing and just follow what ever rules

they decree, good or bad.

regards Worgeordie

[TomTao]

One of the possible effects of this bill, should pass public scrutiny and successfully pass through both houses of parliment could be to block outside news sources on the internet that are in any way critical of the way Thailand is governed, and if the information flow is blocked in both directions, then the government would be able to do whatever it wanted with minimal outside interferance while at the same time keeping the sheeple unaware of any actions outside of Thailand's borders that the government does not want known for fear of any effects such information may have on the people, such as a common voice among the populace that is at odds with what those in power want the people to be thinking, saying or doing.

[ScouseTommy]

Its just all round scary. It isnt just Thailand trying to pass and amend laws like this. However Thailand already has some draconian privacy laws, so any strengthening of these laws, means bad news for democracy and freedom of speech (which imho go hand in hand).

[siampolee]

Certainly it seems as if Thailand is perfecting and updating that delightful book burning ceremony so beloved by oppressive dictatorial governments.

Education and knowledge are the sworn enemies of dictators who may be currently waiting in the wings.

[Thai at Heart]

One of the possible effects of this bill, should pass public scrutiny and successfully pass through both houses of parliment could be to block outside news sources on the internet that are in any way critical of the way Thailand is governed, and if the information flow is blocked in both directions, then the government would be able to do whatever it wanted with minimal outside interferance while at the same time keeping the sheeple unaware of any actions outside of Thailand's borders that the government does not want known for fear of any effects such information may have on the people, such as a common voice among the populace that is at odds with what those in power want the people to be thinking, saying or doing.

I doubt TV would last long.

[LuckyLew]

North Korea here we come

Freedoms are going out the window and one family will try run and ruin the country for their own personal gains

[monkeycountry]

Surprise surprise. The PTP dictatorship is secretly being introduced, and often with "public referendums" which noone knows about, noone attends and noone in the PTP cares about even if some did complain.

"Yesyes, we get it, you all do not want us to be in total control of the news, so lets vote in parliament. Ups, we have the majority, so shut up already. Oh, and in case you still complain, we can always make a national vote. Surprise again, the 50+ % in isaan who don't follow nor understand the news or the concept and importance of press freedom anyway, support us, so shut up."

[fab4]

One of the possible effects of this bill, should pass public scrutiny and successfully pass through both houses of parliment could be to block outside news sources on the internet that are in any way critical of the way Thailand is governed, and if the information flow is blocked in both directions, then the government would be able to do whatever it wanted with minimal outside interferance while at the same time keeping the sheeple unaware of any actions outside of Thailand's borders that the government does not want known for fear of any effects such information may have on the people, such as a common voice among the populace that is at odds with what those in power want the people to be thinking, saying or doing.

If this bill "of which no details are given but many predictions as to its outcome have been made" is passed won't It be just like the good old days under Abhisit ?

Isn't that what you guys wanted?

Edited October 25, 2013 by fab4

[ramrod711]

"Democracy is a wonderful thing, but it isn't the end goal" TS

[fab4]

Certainly it seems as if Thailand is perfecting and updating that delightful book burning ceremony so beloved by oppressive dictatorial governments.

Education and knowledge are the sworn enemies of dictators who may be currently waiting in the wings.

Your mind warps just get more and more colorful.

How will this bill lead us on to "book burning ceremonies"? What does the bill propose? Have you read it? Could you debate it with us? With anybody?

[Neilly]

It breaches the people’s rights to information, lacks standards of training for responsible officials and grants excessive power to the authorities

This wonderful government would never dream of passing a bill like this...must be a mistake somewhere

[Thai at Heart]

The scary thing to me is that Thailand could end up something akin to Singapore with a lot of Cambodia thrown in.

A single authoratarian government despite the appearance of democracy, with monstrous corruption. Truly a nightmare place to try and get anything done, unless you have massive contacts who suck the lifeblood out of you. The media here is pretty useless already, but the first step in creating a truly authoratarian country is to muzzle the press.

[rubl]

This government is really aiming at the top spot in various 'freedom' indices. Bravo!

[khunken]

The ICT said the bill, which seeks to amend the 2007 Computer Crime Act, has gone through public referendum.

I've been here for 17 years & the only referendum during that time was the one for the 2007 constitution, so what are they talking about?

Can't allow 'likes' and any YL criticism, can we?

[tragickingdom]

And there are still people working in the government without children from 6 years upwards? Only that will explain that they never heard of TOR, Proxies or a VPN. Not even a toddler will be discouraged by a blocked site. The only thing the good people at the government have to do is phone with their family in China in order to get the point.

[anon467367354]

this opens the door to abuse and targeting. if anyone posts something offensive on of your blogs, forums etc, as it stands the owner get's nailed.

we can't stop people from posting nor can we monitor everything at all times.

The only ones that want to limit free speech are the ones that have something to benefit from being the supreme power over the land.

I can see this backfiring in a more than brilliant way as we've seen in the past gov't sites being hacked.

Those proposing this law should really think twice, what's good for the goose is good for the gander.

[khunken]

And there are still people working in the government without children from 6 years upwards? Only that will explain that they never heard of TOR, Proxies or a VPN. Not even a toddler will be discouraged by a blocked site. The only thing the good people at the government have to do is phone with their family in China in order to get the point.

It's not blocked web sites that's the problem - they do that now anyway. It's being able to prosecute people for expressing their views that might be against the government.

Looks like an extension of the Lese Majeste law with Lese PTP also being dangerous.

[Mudcrab]

One of the possible effects of this bill, should pass public scrutiny and successfully pass through both houses of parliment could be to block outside news sources on the internet that are in any way critical of the way Thailand is governed, and if the information flow is blocked in both directions, then the government would be able to do whatever it wanted with minimal outside interferance while at the same time keeping the sheeple unaware of any actions outside of Thailand's borders that the government does not want known for fear of any effects such information may have on the people, such as a common voice among the populace that is at odds with what those in power want the people to be thinking, saying or doing.

And the Sherlock Award goes to...................

[myluckythai]

indoctrination is the next step. have they learned nothing?

[TomTao]

One of the possible effects of this bill, should pass public scrutiny and successfully pass through both houses of parliment could be to block outside news sources on the internet that are in any way critical of the way Thailand is governed, and if the information flow is blocked in both directions, then the government would be able to do whatever it wanted with minimal outside interferance while at the same time keeping the sheeple unaware of any actions outside of Thailand's borders that the government does not want known for fear of any effects such information may have on the people, such as a common voice among the populace that is at odds with what those in power want the people to be thinking, saying or doing.

And the Sherlock Award goes to...................

You forgot the fanfare.

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[whybother]

One of the possible effects of this bill, should pass public scrutiny and successfully pass through both houses of parliment could be to block outside news sources on the internet that are in any way critical of the way Thailand is governed, and if the information flow is blocked in both directions, then the government would be able to do whatever it wanted with minimal outside interferance while at the same time keeping the sheeple unaware of any actions outside of Thailand's borders that the government does not want known for fear of any effects such information may have on the people, such as a common voice among the populace that is at odds with what those in power want the people to be thinking, saying or doing.

If this bill "of which no details are given but many predictions as to its outcome have been made" is passed won't It be just like the good old days under Abhisit ?

Isn't that what you guys wanted?

Did Abhisit change any laws to restrict media freedom? I don't think he did.

[baboon]

Great stuff!

The old farts are seeing their Thailand sliding away from them and theirs and are scrabbling to protect their monopoly of power.

I think it is too late; the youngsters have technology now and want to chart their own course for the future of their country. They are furious about being told to shut up and accept whatever the Pooyais dictate to them.

Sooner or later the reactionaries will be defeated. I wish the new generations of Thais very well indeed!

[EyesWideOpen]

Interesting move. Clearly to any thinking person, on the march to dictatorship, freedom of the press is the first

thing that has to go. Sort of an ironic shame that the red buffalos of Isan who brought this upon themselves,

will be the ones who suffer the most. At some point when living here starts to feel like living in North Korea,

I suspect myself and many other farangs will be long gone back to their home countries. The red buffalos

will not have that option, and will have to suffer whatever new machinations the government comes up with.

I have always liked the sort of wild aspect of being in Thailand, but I will NOT LIVE UNDER A DICTATORSHIP......

So am already thinking of an exit plan.......

Sites like Thai Visa should be thinking of an exit plan as well, as they will be the first to go under new restrictive

media laws. While we as farangs have no direct connection to what happens in this country, we in fact are able

to influence the thinking of many thousands of Thai people we are connected to. I know for myself personally ,

my wife has radically changed her attitude towards Thaksin and the PTP after I show her stories about what is

really going on, especially regarding corruption. Which is what it really is all about. Gain political power, repress

criticism, and then loot as fast and hard as you can before the government is thrown out in a coup.....

[Greer]

One of the possible effects of this bill, should pass public scrutiny and successfully pass through both houses of parliment could be to block outside news sources on the internet that are in any way critical of the way Thailand is governed, and if the information flow is blocked in both directions, then the government would be able to do whatever it wanted with minimal outside interferance while at the same time keeping the sheeple unaware of any actions outside of Thailand's borders that the government does not want known for fear of any effects such information may have on the people, such as a common voice among the populace that is at odds with what those in power want the people to be thinking, saying or doing.

If this bill "of which no details are given but many predictions as to its outcome have been made" is passed won't It be just like the good old days under Abhisit ?

Isn't that what you guys wanted?

Did Abhisit change any laws to restrict media freedom? I don't think he did.

No you are right - he didn't - that was down to the Taksin government who tried to censor newspapers and television from speaking out against them - that was one more of the reasons that so many of the Thai population in Bangkok, where they could see what was going on, were so thankful to the military for finally bringing the rampant corruption, cronyism, and destruction of freedoms to a halt before it was too late. Everyone knows these things existed, but it got out of hand...

[fab4]

Interesting move. Clearly to any thinking person, on the march to dictatorship, freedom of the press is the first

thing that has to go. Sort of an ironic shame that the red buffalos of Isan who brought this upon themselves,

will be the ones who suffer the most. At some point when living here starts to feel like living in North Korea,

I suspect myself and many other farangs will be long gone back to their home countries. The red buffalos

will not have that option, and will have to suffer whatever new machinations the government comes up with.

I have always liked the sort of wild aspect of being in Thailand, but I will NOT LIVE UNDER A DICTATORSHIP......

So am already thinking of an exit plan.......

Sites like Thai Visa should be thinking of an exit plan as well, as they will be the first to go under new restrictive

media laws. While we as farangs have no direct connection to what happens in this country, we in fact are able

to influence the thinking of many thousands of Thai people we are connected to. I know for myself personally ,

my wife has radically changed her attitude towards Thaksin and the PTP after I show her stories about what is

really going on, especially regarding corruption. Which is what it really is all about. Gain political power, repress

criticism, and then loot as fast and hard as you can before the government is thrown out in a coup.....

How about those foreigners that have families here, especially if they're "red buffalo" families. Will they go as well once it's changed to a " North Korean Dictatorship"?

Good luck with you and your fellow "farangs" in your evangelical quest to influence the thinking of many thousands of Thais. How would they manage without you? Still at least you've converted your wife to your way of thinking. Must make you feel good that.

For someone with "eyes wide open" you do come across as immensely condescending with just one viewpoint, yours.

[fab4]

No you are right - he didn't - that was down to the Taksin government who tried to censor newspapers and television from speaking out against them - that was one more of the reasons that so many of the Thai population in Bangkok, where they could see what was going on, were so thankful to the military for finally bringing the rampant corruption, cronyism, and destruction of freedoms to a halt before it was too late. Everyone knows these things existed, but it got out of hand...

Actually both Thaksin and abhisit used existing laws to restrict media freedom, one a lot more than the other - and it wasn't Thaksin. In addition abhisit had the Computer Crimes Watch to use and Boy, did he use it!

Human Rights Watch had this to say about abhisits government in 2011 just before the election:

“This government came into office saying it was committed to protecting rights, but it has become the most prolific censor in recent Thai history.”

Pravit wrote this about abhisit in April 2010

Pravit Rojanaphruk

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva addressed the nation on television on Thursday evening, a day after the state of emergency was declared, to defend the government’s censorships of red-shirt media by stating that by doing so he has succeeded somewhat in stopping “the spread” of “distorted information”, and is “in expectation that there will be a gradual reduction of hatred”.

Abhisit also added that “we should be able to coexist although we do have differing opinions.”

What is it with Abhisit in sweet talking about coexisting with “differing opinion” while actively censoring dissent media at the same time? Is this a bad joke? Does the prime minister want to try a shameless and impossible feat of giving lip service to respecting “differing opinion” in society while censoring opposition media as the same time?

What Abhisit has succeeded in doing is making himself look like a dictator and he is doing a fine job at that, especially from the point of view of people who have differing opinions from Abhisit.

Edited October 26, 2013 by fab4

[RubbaJohnny]

One of the possible effects of this bill, should pass public scrutiny and successfully pass through both houses of parliment could be to block outside news sources on the internet that are in any way critical of the way Thailand is governed, and if the information flow is blocked in both directions, then the government would be able to do whatever it wanted with minimal outside interferance while at the same time keeping the sheeple unaware of any actions outside of Thailand's borders that the government does not want known for fear of any effects such information may have on the people, such as a common voice among the populace that is at odds with what those in power want the people to be thinking, saying or doing.

I think they will make an exceptional back door for Monty Python sorry Montenegro and do buy ideas from big bro in Dobuy