The cybersecurity bill, which critics say could give ways for authorities to violate citizens' rights, is expected to be tabled before the cabinet meeting next week.
Paiboon Amonpinyokeat, a member of the national cyber preparation committee, said the bill has been redressed to standardise the appeal process with the court. He did not elaborate on the details.
The bill, he said, will usher in three main structures -- an administrative unit, a security surveillance panel, chaired by a deputy prime minister in charge of security affairs, as well as a committee dealing with economic measures. "It is likely to be forwarded to the cabinet next week," said Mr Paiboon.
The bill calls for the establishment of a Cyber Security Agency, which critics say would be given too much power. It allows for the seizure of computer servers or other assets without a court order. Department of Special Investigation (DSI) chief Paisit Wongmuang said the bill would also lead to the establishment of a centre to receive cyber violations complaints.
If violations are detected, officials would take legal action against offenders, he said. Pol Col Paisit was speaking on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the anti-cybercrime cooperation project in correspondence with the Computer Crime Act and looming bill. Under the scheme, multiple state agencies would work together to deal with the crimes. They include cyber units from the Royal Thai Armed Forces, the army, navy, Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, and the Crime Suppression Division.
According to Pol Col Paisit, cybercrime is increasing each year with financial institutions expressing concerns about their clients' information that could be at risk of being hacked.
Pol Lt Col Wichai Suwanprasert, director of the DSI's Bureau of Technology and Cyber Crime, said online offences are difficult to investigate as most servers linked with crimes are run from overseas.
