Thailand Passes Internet Security Law Decried as 'Cyber Martial Law' (reuters.com)

Thailand's military-appointed parliament on Thursday passed a controversial cybersecurity law that gives sweeping powers to state cyber agencies, despite concerns from businesses and activists over judicial oversight and potential abuse of power. From a report: The Cybersecurity Act, approved unanimously, is the latest in a wave of new laws in Asian countries that assert government control over the internet. Civil liberties advocates, internet companies and business groups have protested the legislation, saying it would sacrifice privacy and the rule of law, and warning compliance burdens could drive foreign businesses out of Thailand. The military government has pushed for several laws it said would support the country's digital economy, including an amendment to the Computer Crime Act in 2017, which has been used to crack down on dissent.

Comments

not the best tourist stop in the world

[v1]

Although I know a few people that go there periodically like florida snowbirds because of the insanely low cost of living (you can go there with a small stash of american dollars and live the high life for a year pretty easily), it's a military dictatorship with a king that legally can throw you in jail for 15 years for looking at him wrong. Despite having some "good reviews", I'd be a bit scared to go there, simply due to the ease at which you can get yourself in serious trouble, and the almost complete lack of options if it happens. So them passing a draconian "internet security" law just seems like they're modernizing their laws to keep up with technology. They've got a noose around everything else, this is just in keeping with the theme - piss off the government, rot in jail. Too much walking on eggshells over there for me thanks.