Law and judiciary
Renewed bid for central DNA database
The Central Institute of Forensic Science (CIFS) is maintaining its push for a law that would require DNA samples collected from criminal suspects to be stored on a central database.A central database system would aid investigations targeting criminal suspects in security cases and serious crimes, ...
Bangkok Post Reporter
New regulation against ‘fake news’ enacted
New restrictions against fake news and misinformation were enacted on Friday after being published in the Royal Gazette.The new regulation was issued under Section 9 of the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situations. The emergency decree has been in place since March 26, ...
The Nation Reporter
Criticism mounts over digital regulatory bill
Criticism has flared over a draft royal decree meant to regulate digital platforms providing services in Thailand as participants at a public hearing on Thursday voiced concerns about unequal enforcement for local and foreign operators, additional burdens on operators, and the risk of abuse of ...
Bangkok Post Reporter
iLaw says curbs curtail free speech
The Internet Law Reform Dialogue (iLaw) group has slammed new restrictions issued under the emergency decree to curb the latest wave of Covid-19.On its Facebook page, iLaw targeted Announcement No.27 under the emergency rule which, it said, includes a provision (Restriction No.11) limiting free speech ...
Bangkok Post Reporter
Parliament adopts only 1 charter change bill
The joint parliament sitting on Thursday passed only one out of 13 constitutional change bills in the first reading.The legislation would raise the number of constituency MPs from 350 to 400 and restore the old selection formula for 100 list MPs.The bill was proposed by ...
Bangkok Post Reporter
New referendum law sails through Parliament
Parliament has passed a new referendum law, paving the way for amendments or a rewrite of the constitution.As a reform law, the bill was debated on Tuesday in a joint sitting of both houses. MPs and senators later voted 611-4 with two abstentions in its ...
The Nation Reporter
Thailand: Proposed initiatives to combat ‘fake news’ undermine freedom of expression
Proposed government initiatives to address ‘fake news’ would further curtail digital rights and freedom of expression in Thailand, said ARTICLE 19. In recent weeks, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) has disclosed plans, including new regulations under the Computer Crimes Act, that would ...
Law to regulate social media content in the pipeline
A proposal for legislation to control social media content in Thailand was raised by the prime minister at Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said.Prayut cited recent legislation in India to regulate social media, including various blogs, the spokesman said.India’s new rules require internet ...
The Nation Reporter
New speed limits get green light
The Cabinet on Tuesday approved in principle new speed limits for Thai roads, citing the need to upgrade traffic conditions to international standards.In Bangkok, Pattaya City, or community areas the new limits are:– 60 kilometres per hour for trucks weighing up to 2.2 tonnes, buses ...
The Nation Reporter
Cabinet approves registration of personal cars for ride-hailing services
The Cabinet on Tuesday approved a draft regulation proposed by the Transport Ministry to allow people to register their personal cars for commercial use.Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob explained that only cars with maximum capacity of seven people would be eligible for registration.The draft ministerial regulation ...
