In a clarion call for justice, Amnesty International has urged Thai authorities to put an end to a chilling series of cyberattacks on human rights activists following the revelation of internal documents indicating that they were part of a state-sponsored campaign. These documents, disclosed during a parliamentary debate, disclose a joint effort by police and military units who have formed a “Cyber Team” aimed at maligning the reputations of civil society groups and political opposition members, while also engaging in malicious acts like phishing attacks to infiltrate social media accounts.
The discussion of these troubling tactics erupted when opposition MP Chayaphon Satondee brought to light the role of this secretive Cyber Team, labelling Amnesty International as a “high-value target” alongside other notable civil society figures. This dark revelation highlights a deliberate and systematic effort to undermine legitimate human rights work, as the Cyber Team propagated harmful narratives against activists, especially in relation to excessive governmental force exercised during protests.
As recently as September 2024, the Cyber Team continued its surveillance of Amnesty International’s activities online, aggressively targeting their posts which raised alarm over state violence and calls for the protection of peaceful protesters. Despite official denial from the Thai government, the evidence substantiates long-standing claims of digital authoritarianism that threatens the core of civil liberties in the region, with previous disturbances documented against activists, particularly women and LGBTI rights defenders.
Global observers, including the UN Committee against Torture, have condemned these practices of digital attacks, supporting the calls for rigorous investigations into such violations. Despite pledges made by the Thai government to reform digital policies to protect human rights amid the UN Human Rights Council election, ongoing cyberattacks starkly contradict these commitments, laying bare the risks human rights defenders face in an increasingly hostile digital landscape.
Amnesty International highlighted that as a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), Thailand must safeguard its citizens’ rights to free expression and to protect against unwarranted intrusions into their privacy. As the environment for human rights defenders grows perilous, calls for accountability and reform resonate louder than ever, urging the Thai government to honour its commitments and foster a secure space for civic engagement.
Amnesty International demands an end to state-sponsored cyberattacks on human rights activists in Thailand after leaked documents revealed a targeted campaign against civil society groups. A joint Cyber Team from police and military aims to undermine activists’ reputations and engage in digital harassment. The Thai government has denied these claims, yet persistent evidence of digital authoritarianism raises serious concerns about ongoing violations of civil rights. Despite previous commitments to protect digital freedoms, the situation calls for urgent reform and accountability.
In conclusion, the findings of a coordinated government-backed cyber campaign against human rights activists unveil a troubling narrative of digital attacks, surveillance, and the systematic undermining of civil liberties in Thailand. The evidence gathered by Amnesty International illustrates a profound need for accountability and a safeguarding of fundamental human rights. With global oversight pressing for reforms, the imperative now lies with the Thai government to transition from promise to action by ensuring the protection of activists, honouring commitments, and reshaping the landscape into which digital rights are firmly entrenched.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
