Three organizations have submitted a letter to the National Legislative Assembly vice president Surachai Liangboonlertchai expressing their concern over the computer crime bill which they noted may clamp down on free expressions.
Ms Pornpen Kongkachornkiat, a representative of Amnesty International Thailand, told the media that Amnesty International Thailand, Privacy International and Netizens Network are particularly concerned with Section 14 of the bill which might be interpreted in a way to penalize individuals who post message in the social media “in a way which may cause public panic”.
She pointed out that the phrase “in a way which may cause public panic” is very broad and individuals who express opinions which do not pose a threat to national security or public safety may be liable to criminal litigation.
Mr Arthit Suriyawongkul, representing the Netizens Network, pointed out at Section 15 of the bill which states that internet service providers will be liable to punishment similar to the perpetrators who violate Section 14 of the bill if they cannot prove that they did not conspire with or did not consent the actions of the perpetrators.
He said that the service providers might resort to self-censorship to play safe.
