Thailand firms up Asian trend on cybersecurity rules

Significance

The proposed Cyber Security Act (CSA) is one of four laws intended to strengthen national defences against rising cybercrime, particularly involving cryptocurrency and online financial transactions.

Impacts

• As drafted, the CSA could be used against online political critics.
• Corporate cybersecurity burden will continue to increase, even if rules such as those proposed by Bangkok appear unworkable.
• Besides discouraging foreign investment, the CSA could jeopardise Thailand’s existing or potential trade agreements.