Thailand: Adopted Amended Computer Crimes Act (BE 2560)

On 23 January 2017, the Amendment of the Computer Crimes Act (No. 2) BE 2560 (A.D. 2017) was adopted. The Act shifts the overseeing ministry from the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology to the newly established Ministry of Digital Economy and Society. It introduces measures to enhance data protection, imposing fines for sending disruptive computer data or electronic mail without providing an easy opt-out option. Moreover, the Act addresses false data entry into computer systems with the potential to cause public harm. Knowingly forwarding such data is also forbidden. Additionally, crimes involving forged data require an element of dishonesty and deceit, with separate penalties specified for offences against individuals. Notably, the amendment grants service providers exemption from penalties if they can demonstrate compliance with government takedown requests.