The 19 September 2006 coup d'etat has led to government violation of Internet users' rights, blockage of information, and abridgment of freedom of expression. Authorities have enforced cyber laws in order to achieve political ends, without clear, fair, and unbiased guidelines.

In the occasion that the new government led by the Democrat Party will state its policies to the parliament on 29 December 2008, the Thai Netizen Network calls for the following actions:

1. The government must protect Internet users' rights and liberty of online and mass media.

2. The government must respect the freedom of expression as guaranteed by the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The government must do so without prejudice or double standards, and it must never attempt to silence dissident opinions.

3. The government must amend the Computer Crime Act of B.E. 2550, especially on distinguishing rights to online communication from computer crimes. The amendment process should be open to the public and all other related sectors.

4. The government must protect personal information and privacy by establishing clear, fair laws and ensuring their just enforcement in accordance with international covenants.

Thai Netizen Network firmly believes that fair protection of citizens' rights and respect for human dignity are crucial to upholding democracy.

On the other hand, government attempts to curtail online freedom would lead to more conflict which adversely affect national security and the well-being of the Thai people.

In liberty and Thai citizen's judgments, we trust.

Thai Netizen Network

www.thainetizen.org

26 December 2551