Despite leak, PM Prayut denies spyware use

[webfact]

HACKING
Despite leak, PM denies spyware use
ASINA PORNWASIN
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- PRIME MINISTER Prayut Chan-o-cha has denied the military uses surveillance software to spy on citizens' computers and mobile devices following reports of multiple purchases of such software from Hacking Team Co, a firm in Italy.

The Royal Thai Army, National Police Bureau and the Department of Corrections were named as Thai customers of Hacking Team, whose computers were hacked by WikiLeaks and data posted on the Internet.

The data showed details of the firm's customers worldwide which reportedly included many foreign governments.

Regarding the Thai government, there were reportedly over 100 emails between the Army and Hacking Team concerning the procurement of surveillance software.

Prayut said he had no idea about the data leak in which the Thai Army was alleged to have bought the software in 2014 while he was Army commander-in-chief.

"It's up to you whether to believe the leakers, but I know that Wikileaks has faced many lawsuits. I can confirm that there is no attempt to access any personal data illegally. If you have not committed any wrongdoing, don't worry," he said.

Arthit Suriyawongkul, coordinator at Thai Netizen Network, said surveillance software was useful in intercepting narcotics deals, money-laundering, terrorist and other illegal activities for public benefit - but it was necessary to have transparency in using such a tool.

"However, the track record of Hacking Team, which uses the remote control system or RCS technology, is controversial. For example, a court in South Korea ruled recently that officials of the National Intelligence Service used the product illegally when they spied on opposition politicians, journalists, social activists and top-level business executives without any prior court approval.

"Regarding Thailand, we have had no evidence so far concerning such an illegal activity. According to Thai law, state officials are allowed to wire-tap suspects in narcotics, money-laundering, corruption and other offences on a case-by-case basis - if they have prior court approval," he said.

"However, once the RCS technology is used on mobile phones, it will constantly send out data so we may have to find a new way to make the court approval process more effective and transparent. I think it would be acceptable if such surveillance software was used transparently for public benefit. People are concerned about abuses and privacy violation.

"Technically, RCS is not like a wire-tap as it works when you install a programme on the target's mobile phone by downloading software - whether intentionally or unintentionally - or it can be in your PC's operating system."

Another Bangkok-based cyber security expert, who asked not to be named, said he believed the Hacking Team data leak was genuine in showing e-mail communications between Thai government agencies and the Italian software firm. It was not unusual for some agencies concerned with national security to use surveillance software, he said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Despite-leak-PM-denies-spyware-use-30264957.html


-- The Nation 2015-07-22

[NongKhaiKid]

" If you haven't committed any wrongdoing, don't worry. "

Does this mean if you have you should worry because the govt knows about it ?

The Truth Is Out There but it may be necessary to be economical with it.

[ezzra]

I think that this spyware is going to be used on themselves, that how much they trust the people

around them....

[jonw8uk]

it has to be downloaded and installed to your phone/computer.

Sounds pretty useless and a non story really.

Good for monitoring your own staff...

[arthurboy]

So given Prayut's denial, it looks like someone hacked the Hacking Team or the hackers - or both - and planted fake evidence in the hacked data before or after it was hacked to incriminate the junta.

It's possible, isn't it? Tell me it's possible someone, please.

[EnzoRippo]

This spyware is like the aircraft carrier or the submarine: no local human resources to make it work, to motivation for something "mai sanook". They just have been bought for the kick back they generate.

By the way, would you buy a software at this amount when you can find it at 80 THB in Pantip?

[Tatsujin]

it has to be downloaded and installed to your phone/computer.

Sounds pretty useless and a non story really.

Good for monitoring your own staff...

Downloaded to your phone/computer ... you mean like the "12 ways to do as we tell you" Line stickers the Government produced and everyone here downloaded?

Connect the dots ...

[Srikcir]

"Prayut said he had no idea about the data leak in which the Thai Army was alleged to have bought the software in 2014 while he was Army commander-in-chief."

If the leak is true, such purchase was illegal. Prayut should initiate a criminal investigation immediately. Furthermore, such dislosure inflicts damage to the Junta's and nation's reputation causing harm . Prayut should also charge everyone originating and disseminating the story with Computer Crimes Act and/or violation of NCPO directives aimed at actions that create opposition to the NCPO.

Failure to do so would be an implicit admission that Prayut approved the purchase.

If the leak is false, such disclosure was illegal. And ditto to the above.

Failure to do so would be an implicit admission by Prayut that the leak was true.

Nice Catch-22. Prayut would best have a cabinet member "look further into the allegations" and say nothing more.

[MockingJay]

Sure, we believe everything you say! Feel so much better now...

[BSJ]

What? Who said that?

[oneday]

You think they would admit it if they were using this software and spying?

Not this government.

[wandasloan]

This spyware is like the aircraft carrier or the submarine: no local human resources to make it work, to motivation for something "mai sanook". They just have been bought for the kick back they generate.

By the way, would you buy a software at this amount when you can find it at 80 THB in Pantip?

Just out of curiosity, do you know the Pantip Plaza's kickback to a government agent making an 80-baht purchase for his department?

[Baerboxer]

"Prayut said he had no idea about the data leak in which the Thai Army was alleged to have bought the software in 2014 while he was Army commander-in-chief."

If the leak is true, such purchase was illegal. Prayut should initiate a criminal investigation immediately. Furthermore, such dislosure inflicts damage to the Junta's and nation's reputation causing harm . Prayut should also charge everyone originating and disseminating the story with Computer Crimes Act and/or violation of NCPO directives aimed at actions that create opposition to the NCPO.

Failure to do so would be an implicit admission that Prayut approved the purchase.

If the leak is false, such disclosure was illegal. And ditto to the above.

Failure to do so would be an implicit admission by Prayut that the leak was true.

Nice Catch-22. Prayut would best have a cabinet member "look further into the allegations" and say nothing more.

But it wasn't illegal for the RTP to buy it in 2012 when Yingluck wanted to stop people "liking" posts on social media her brother didn't like.

Your usual Shin double standard - everyone else must do as we say, not as we do; and never question us.

[Baerboxer]

This spyware is like the aircraft carrier or the submarine: no local human resources to make it work, to motivation for something "mai sanook". They just have been bought for the kick back they generate.

By the way, would you buy a software at this amount when you can find it at 80 THB in Pantip?

Just out of curiosity, do you know the Pantip Plaza's kickback to a government agent making an 80-baht purchase for his department?

24 ThB

[chrisinth]

"Prayut said he had no idea about the data leak in which the Thai Army was alleged to have bought the software in 2014 while he was Army commander-in-chief."

If the leak is true, such purchase was illegal. Prayut should initiate a criminal investigation immediately. Furthermore, such dislosure inflicts damage to the Junta's and nation's reputation causing harm . Prayut should also charge everyone originating and disseminating the story with Computer Crimes Act and/or violation of NCPO directives aimed at actions that create opposition to the NCPO.

Failure to do so would be an implicit admission that Prayut approved the purchase.

If the leak is false, such disclosure was illegal. And ditto to the above.

Failure to do so would be an implicit admission by Prayut that the leak was true.

Nice Catch-22. Prayut would best have a cabinet member "look further into the allegations" and say nothing more.

If the army commander in chief had to sign for every purchase that was made, then indeed he would be a very busy man.

Do the army have surveillance software? Certainly, without a shadow of a doubt in certain departments for specific operations, there is nothing different with the Thai army against every other army in the world.

This story is all about headlines aimed to fuel conspiracy theories IMO. If people are naïve to think their own governments don't have these options, then its a pretty clean world that they are living in..........................

[outsider]

Two worying points in the article:

1. "If you have not committed any wrongdoing, don't worry." - Right.

2. "... necessary to have transparency in using such a tool... allowed to wire-tap suspects in narcotics, money-laundering, corruption and other offences on a case-by-case basis - if they have prior court approval," he said." - Transparency? In Thailand?

Quite funny though, if I'm honest, at how these people actually 'sound' like they believe what they are saying!

[arrowsdawdle]

it has to be downloaded and installed to your phone/computer.

Sounds pretty useless and a non story really.

Good for monitoring your own staff...

Uninformed. Just because you are not paranoid doesn't mean they are not out to get you.

[arrowsdawdle]

This spyware is like the aircraft carrier or the submarine: no local human resources to make it work, to motivation for something "mai sanook". They just have been bought for the kick back they generate.

By the way, would you buy a software at this amount when you can find it at 80 THB in Pantip?

Just out of curiosity, do you know the Pantip Plaza's kickback to a government agent making an 80-baht purchase for his department?

Maybe when you know how it works you will understand.

[Fat Haggis]

"Prayut said he had no idea about the data leak in which the Thai Army was alleged to have bought the software in 2014 while he was Army commander-in-chief."

If the leak is true, such purchase was illegal. Prayut should initiate a criminal investigation immediately. Furthermore, such dislosure inflicts damage to the Junta's and nation's reputation causing harm . Prayut should also charge everyone originating and disseminating the story with Computer Crimes Act and/or violation of NCPO directives aimed at actions that create opposition to the NCPO.

Failure to do so would be an implicit admission that Prayut approved the purchase.

If the leak is false, such disclosure was illegal. And ditto to the above.

Failure to do so would be an implicit admission by Prayut that the leak was true.

Nice Catch-22. Prayut would best have a cabinet member "look further into the allegations" and say nothing more.

If the army commander in chief had to sign for every purchase that was made, then indeed he would be a very busy man.

Do the army have surveillance software? Certainly, without a shadow of a doubt in certain departments for specific operations, there is nothing different with the Thai army against every other army in the world.

This story is all about headlines aimed to fuel conspiracy theories IMO. If people are naïve to think their own governments don't have these options, then its a pretty clean world that they are living in..........................

So why the need for National Intelligence agencies then if the army does all the Int Gathering?

I think you're very wrong in this one, in that the Army in Thailand is vastly different from other Armies, yes they have Intelligence units, but I think the spying on the population is done via NATIONAL assets, not Military ones.

Hence why there's a huge conspiracy about Jade Helm in the States now.

[Kannikapor88]

If PM say it is so then ....

[metisdead]

Please use discretion in your references to the government. Phrases which can be considered as anti-coup will be removed. Referring to Thailand or the government as a dictatorship, military dictatorship or other such terms will be removed.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/769792-notice-to-members-posting-in-thailand-news/

[firestar]

For those who haven't been reading the news lately, this software can infect thousands of computers via methods like wifi hacking, it also re installs itself even after a hard drive is wiped clean, the next project they were working on was to hack wifis via drones. Hacking team only sells to government agencies including a who's who of the world finest Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia... it's not something you buy at Pantip

[firestar]

But it wasn't illegal for the RTP to buy it in 2012 when Yingluck wanted to stop people "liking" posts on social media her brother didn't like.

Your usual Shin double standard - everyone else must do as we say, not as we do; and never question us.

The RTP never bought the software. False. Are you seriously comparing social media campaigns, which every party in the world runs, with something that can get you arrested in your own home?

The irony of you accusing a member of double standards while comparing the most aggressive surveillance software in the world with social media likes classic.

[Tywais]

Seems to contradict what The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Ministry has stated less than a year ago. So hardly can trust the 'denies spyware use'. Of course it may be accurate in saying the military is not using it, just the government.

LINE messages being monitored by Thai government

The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Ministry in Thailand has confirmed it is monitoring LINE message conversations.

According to The Nation, ICT minister Pornchai Rujiprapa said: “We can monitor all the nearly 40 million LINE messages sent by people in Thailand each day.”

“If you receive LINE messages that offend the monarchy and threaten national security, you can lodge a complaint with police. We can trace where the messages originally come from,” said Pornchai, who was speaking at a press conference at Government House, where a new LINE Sticker campaign was being launched to help to promote Thailand’s 12 national core values.

tech.thaivisa.com

And from The Nation

'LINE messages being monitored'

[chrisinth]

"Prayut said he had no idea about the data leak in which the Thai Army was alleged to have bought the software in 2014 while he was Army commander-in-chief."

If the leak is true, such purchase was illegal. Prayut should initiate a criminal investigation immediately. Furthermore, such dislosure inflicts damage to the Junta's and nation's reputation causing harm . Prayut should also charge everyone originating and disseminating the story with Computer Crimes Act and/or violation of NCPO directives aimed at actions that create opposition to the NCPO.

Failure to do so would be an implicit admission that Prayut approved the purchase.

If the leak is false, such disclosure was illegal. And ditto to the above.

Failure to do so would be an implicit admission by Prayut that the leak was true.

Nice Catch-22. Prayut would best have a cabinet member "look further into the allegations" and say nothing more.

If the army commander in chief had to sign for every purchase that was made, then indeed he would be a very busy man.

Do the army have surveillance software? Certainly, without a shadow of a doubt in certain departments for specific operations, there is nothing different with the Thai army against every other army in the world.

This story is all about headlines aimed to fuel conspiracy theories IMO. If people are naïve to think their own governments don't have these options, then its a pretty clean world that they are living in..........................

So why the need for National Intelligence agencies then if the army does all the Int Gathering?

I think you're very wrong in this one, in that the Army in Thailand is vastly different from other Armies, yes they have Intelligence units, but I think the spying on the population is done via NATIONAL assets, not Military ones.

Hence why there's a huge conspiracy about Jade Helm in the States now.

I see where you are coming from and with the current situation here, basically Junta rule, it could well be done through national assets. If it was done at national level, then the PM would be aware (if the conspiracy proved true and they were somehow leeching through the ISPs and mobile networks to conduct mass intelligence gathering).

However, apparently the software under debate needs to be installed on devices for it to work, so unless they are piggybacking on updates or something, i can't see the public being at risk from it.

Unless you are being specifically targeted, then it would be fair game as that would be covered by a court order ( )............................

[FangFerang]

Despite leak, PM denies using spyware.

Despite prosecution and arrest, PM denies Army involved in human trafficking.

Despite leaks from the Mad Monk and Herr Suthep, PM denies planning the coup months in advance of the event.

PM denies, denies, denies.....and lies, lies, lies.....

If he knew about it, it was illegal, if he didn't know about it, it was negligence.

Quick, someone take him to court!

[sammygood]

hahaha

wikileaks had many lawsuites

i believe, those people don't want their illegal activity to be uncovered, so please, shoot the messenger, not the wrongdo-ers

[Shaunduhpostman]

Wouldn't be very good spying if they told you they were doing it.

Why not have the NSA do it for them, thought I read they had a facility in Thailand somewhere. That way they can say we aren't spying on you, the NSA is spying on you.

Knock yourselves out.