The junta’s lawmakers have unanimously decided to increase penalties under the Computer Crime Act and establish a committee to handle cases under the Act, bypassing the courts.
On Friday, 29 April 2016, BBC Thai reported that the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), the junta-appointed legislature, gave the green light to amend the Computer Crime Act.
In an urgent meeting, the NLA voted 160 in favour with 3 abstentons to pass the amendment, increasing the maximum punishment under the Act to 20 years in jail and a 400,000 baht fine, up from 15 years in jail and a 300,000 baht fine.
According to BBC Thai, this amendment was proposed by the junta cabinet.
The Thai News Agency reported that Uttama Sawanayon, Minister of Information and Communication Technology, said that the amendment also included the establishment of a three-member committee with the authority to decide the punishment of cases under the Act without a hearing in court.
“If a violation of the Act involves national security issues, the punishment will be up to 5 years jail term and a fine of up to 300,000 baht. But if the violation is so severe that it leads to a loss of life, the maximum punishment will be raised to 20 years in jail and a 400,000 baht fine,” Thai News Agency quoted Uttama as saying.
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