Invasion Of Social Media Rights In Thailand

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The Invasion of Social Media Rights in Thailand

Introduction

In the wake of increased internet-based networking and social interactions, people enjoy the

freedom that was unimaginable some decades before. The growth of the Internet of Things (IoT);

for instance, has made it possible for people even in the workplace to utilize personal devices to

carry out official tasks. This organizational breakthrough could not be possible if users did not

enjoy online freedom. Additionally, social media has given people the opportunity to participate

in discussions regarding nation’s legislations and matters that directly or indirectly affect them

(Marsoof, 110). Thai Junta’s actions of prosecuting citizens for vague responses to Facebook

messages represent a bizarre twist of the Lese Majeste law. Social media is a prime opportunity

that enhances people’s participation in matters of governance. This paper presents opinions

concerning the Thai Junta’s actions of invading citizen’s rights and online privacy.

The arresting and prosecution of the 40 years old Patnaree Chankij under article 12 of the penal

code and Computer Crime under the 2007 Computer Crime Act demonstrates invasion into

people’s rights (DeNardis and Hackl 764). As much as Thai Junta acts in the protection of the

monarchy, its prosecution of online activists shows how the military oppresses human rights.

Most of the pro-democracy activists have been arrested and prosecuted by the Junta (Ramasoota

and Sopark 136). For instance, an activist’s mother was arrested and charged under the insulting

the monarchy’ law (Leyland 115). These are more actions of the Junta show its blatant contempt

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of its human rights mandate. The institution that should be seen protecting human rights and

empowering the people through participation is doing the opposite.

People in Thailand have no right to criticize the Monarchy. Doing so is treated as a grave act of

crime. The military junta’s use of the majeste laws to prosecute individuals for speeches

considered to be critical of the monarchy attracts heated debates across the country (Leyland

115). It is against the human rights to make the majeste laws a priority at the expense of citizens’

freedom of expression (Leyland 115). The junta has used the country’s legislation to prosecute

people in an increasingly broad and arbitrary fashion. The use of Facebook to post comments

that are thought to mock or criticize the Queen receives stern lawful actions of the junta. The

majeste laws can be said to be vague and overly broad, and too harsh. The sentencing of people

on these statutes has been deemed by the United Nations special rapporteur as unnecessary even

though many think they protect the monarchy (DeNardis and Hackl 764). In fact, many activists

and human rights watchers observe that the junta is tightening a chokehold on free expression as

well as increasing a climate of fear among citizens in the name of protecting the monarchy.

The ever-growing number of internet users, especially the social network sites has seen people

exposed to too much information. The online environment receives minimal regulation if any in

most countries. For this reason, many users freely express their opinions without fear of being

noticed or even judged. In Thailand, this freedom is fading (Leyland 115). The junta continues to

increase surveillance on internet users to track messages, images, and posts that seem to infringe

on the Majeste laws. The Junta has used the Computer Crimes Act of 2007 to arrest and

prosecute Facebook users. These actions contradict the perceived objective of social media

interactions. In many countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States, the social

media sites such as Twitter and Facebook enable the engagement of citizens in societal debates.

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The governments in these countries welcome criticisms, suggestions, and oppositions from the

citizen, consequently increasing people’s confidence in their governments.

The actions of the junta of oppressing people and curtailing their rights and freedoms have far

reaching adverse consequences than benefits (DeNardis and Hackl 764). First, more people

continue to lose confidence in the government and the junta. Second, these actions trigger new

activism as people continue to realize their rights. Third, in the wake increased technological

advancement, people have access to information now more than ever before. Citizens can read

comments posted by human rights advocates about their situation the home country (Ramasoota

and Sopark 136). As a result, it is only a matter of time before people start realizing the increased

invasion into their rights by the junta. In turn, the situation will not last long before the Junta

loses it all.

Conclusion

It is worth noting that the Thai Junta has recently manifested its blatant contempt of the human

rights obligations by using the Majeste laws to perpetuate impunity on its citizens. This paper has

examined broad instances where the junta has arrested and prosecuted innocent citizens

unnecessarily. The increasing technological breakthrough and the growing reliance on the

Internet should benefit residents but become avenues for arrests and sources of injustice. Online

privacy and human rights are matters of paramount importance in the digital age. The position of

this news feature is that the Thai junta invades people’s rights and privacy. Therefore, there is a

growing need to restructure its policies and change this practice for the benefit of the Thai

citizens and the monarchy.

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Works Cited

DeNardis, L., and A.M. Hackl. "Internet Governance by Social Media

Platforms." Telecommunications Policy 39.Special Issue on the Governance of Social

Media (2015): 761-770. Print.

Leyland, Peter. "The Struggle for Freedom of Expression in Thailand: Media Moguls, the King,

Citizen Politics and the Law." Journal Of Media Law 2.1 (2010): 115. Print.

Marsoof, Althaf. "Online Social Networking and the Right to Privacy: The Conflicting Rights of

Privacy and Expression." International Journal of Law & Information Technology 19.2

(2011): 110. Print.

Ramasoota, Pirongrong, and Sopark Panichpapiboon. "Online Privacy in Thailand: Public and

Strategic Awareness." Journal of Law, Information and Science 23.1 (2014): [97]-136.

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