Thai minister defends controversial cybersecurity bill

BANGKOK: A Thai government official on Wednesday defended a sweeping cybersecurity bill which experts have decried for allowing the wholesale seizure of private computers and property, saying that “every country has a need” to protect itself.

The proposed bill has drawn widespread criticism for authorising a newly created committee to access and seize computers and hard drives of individuals and private companies without a court order in cases of “reasonable suspicion” and “emergency”.

The bill would need to be sent to the National Assembly by the end of the year in order to fly through its rubber-stamp parliament before the term expires ahead of Thailand’s long-anticipated elections early next year.

If passed under his watch, junta leader Prayuth Chan-O-Cha would lead the committee.

The bill is currently being “finalised”, said Pichet Durongkaveroj, minister of digital economy and society, also on the committee, who defended it Wednesday.

“Every country has a need to set a legal system whereby we can protect our society ... because every sector is now using some kind of computer,” Pichet said.

“There is a certain risk each sector will face when there is a cyber attack.”

He attempted to assuage fears of overreach by saying a court order would be needed to seize a private computer except in cases of emergency, adding that nonprofits, academics and foreign businesses have also been invited to voice their concerns.

In rare comments hitting out at the government, a senior judge at the Thai Appeals Court condemned the bill, calling it redundant.

“This law ignores the people’s rights and freedom,” said Sriamporn Saligupta. — AFP