Critics say military Thailand Computer Crime Act prevents innovation

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Investors fear harsh Computer Crime Act

COMPUTER LAW SLAMMED FOR COSTING THAILAND BILLIONS

Published: 13 Jan 2013 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

The Computer Crime Act is impeding free speech and proving a hindrance to business innovation and entrepreneurship, academics and computer experts say.

The application of the act, enacted in 2007 by the Surayud Chulanont government following the 2006 coup, has also scared investors away from Thailand, Ann Lavin, director of public policy and government relations at Google Southeast Asia, said.

"The [act] should deal with direct computer crimes like phishing," she said.

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garrysch
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Discussion 19 : 14 Jan 2013 at 04.1719
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Was TS guilty as charged considering allegations brought against? Yes! Did TS commit a crime unique to Thai society? No. TS stepped on the wrong toes, toes which were able to use their position to destroy him.

Let only those in the elitist society who have never participated in, nor condoned corruption be the first to make accusations.
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garrysch
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Discussion 18 : 14 Jan 2013 at 03.2518
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Make one simple change to 112, and Thailand will begin to soar. The change would be that only the palace could initiate an action under 112, and no one else. This keeps the law 100% intact, and removes the opportunity for some people to use the law as a political weapon.
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watchdog
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Discussion 17 : 13 Jan 2013 at 18.0917
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The Cyber Crime laws cost Thailand in many ways. They inhibit innovation, which is necessary to move to the next stage of development. They create uncertainty and higher costs for investors, particularly at the higher end. These laws incentivize high end Tech companies to avoid Thailand altogether and invest elsewhere. Why expose your company to these sorts of arcane laws? Imagine how directors react to hearing about these laws back in Palo Alto, New York or London? Thailand is losing out.
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jacksprat
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Discussion 16 : 13 Jan 2013 at 14.5716
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"the law holds intermediaries [such as webmasters] liable" for crimes committed by others" Sort of like charging former PMs with murder for acts done by soldiers in violation of their orders to fire only in self defence.
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menno
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Discussion 15 : 13 Jan 2013 at 14.4215
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Investors will come because there is money to be made; whatever the local laws require, they'll generally comply. Suggesting 'net entrepreneurs won't come to Thailand because of its laws is nonsensical. Thailand's internet requirements aren't essentially different from Germany's - I don't hear Google complain about German law!?
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santa
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Discussion 14 : 13 Jan 2013 at 13.4614
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So why don't we change the law? or the politicians too busy changing other laws?
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subcoman
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Discussion 13 : 13 Jan 2013 at 12.0113
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As noted by Tamsin,
The current government is VERY far from criticals in many subjects but to read people who present the Abhisit Administration as an example to follow complaining about freedom of speech is something not to be missed. Knowing that Abhisit has the lowest rank in 15 years (including Thaksin and Yinluck) with Reporters without Border. Thailand was downgraded to "partly free" under this Administration by Freedom House and Human Right Watch called it "the most prolific censor in recent Thai history".
You were clapping hands, so we understand that your attachment to freedom of speech is variable to who is on power?
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bikeme
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Discussion 12 : 13 Jan 2013 at 11.5012
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D6 Tamsin - It doesn't matter what the DEMS did during their time in office, the only thing that counts is what will the Pheu Thai do right now. Any laws or issues that need to be addressed are the responsibility of the current Parliament. And as I said the current PTP government is more concerned with PR, amnesty and enriching themselves, not doing things for the betterment of ALL Thais.
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OldThaiHand
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Discussion 11 : 13 Jan 2013 at 11.4011
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So, if one downloaded the banned Anna and The King, or various Wikileaks documents about Thailand, the cyber cops would come knocking at your door. Or, is it merely if you desseminate such material online?
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bkk-farang
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Discussion 10 : 13 Jan 2013 at 11.3210
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@Eric #3: The coup helped to get rid of Thaksin – at least for a while. And if Thaksin will be whitewashed by his little sister then don’t be surprised if there is another coup. I hope there is no reason for another coup…
And about this article: Thaksin is a control freak and I am sure he is happy that this Computer Crime Act exists already. Otherwise he would need to ask little sister to create such a law.
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