The National Human Rights Commission and other related agencies must step in to examine allegations that the government has routinely used phone spyware to surveil dozens of politicians and pro-democracy activists known for playing active roles in demanding the reform of major institutions.
Surveillance, using the Israeli-made Pegasus platform, was revealed earlier this week after release of information gathered by iLaw, who worked with Southeast Asian internet watchdog Digital Reach and the Canada-based Citizen Lab. The report cited an alert from Apple Inc last November informing thousands of iPhone users, including many in Thailand, that they were targets of "state-sponsored attackers". The issue was raised in the censure debate this week.
It is no coincidence that all the victims are critics of the Prayut Chan-o-cha government.
Move Forward Party MP Phicharn Chaowapatanawong lambasted the alleged hacking which was also found to have targeted fellow politicians Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, secretary general of the Progressive Movement; Yingcheep Atchanont, programme manager at iLaw; human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa; pro-democracy student activist Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul; as well as a number of prominent academics who have been critical of the Prayut government in recent years.
According to the reports, recent use of the spyware peaked during demonstrations by a youth-led movement in late 2020 calling for reform of the monarchy and abolition of the draconian Section 112, or lese majeste law. The MP pointed the finger at the intelligence unit of the army and the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc).
An Amnesty International report made by its security lab independently confirmed five of these cases through forensic analysis.
Following the MFP's accusations during the debate, the government assigned Deputy Defence Minister Chaichan Changmongkol to issue what was a disappointing rebuttal. The general merely denied the allegations but offered nothing to counter any of the specific claims beyond stating that it has never been government policy to track individuals using invasive spyware.
Gen Chaichan's vague denial also contrasted with a statement by the Digital Economy and Society Minister.
Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn admitted the country employs these techniques in cases involving narcotics and national security, but claimed the DES did not have the legal authority to use such software.
In related reports, NSO Group, the Israeli cyber-arms company behind Pegasus, said it only sells products to government intelligence and law enforcement agencies.
Cyber operations of this ilk are supposed to be limited to security and anti-narcotic operations, yet the government stands accused of targeting democracy and reform advocates and political dissidents
This is not only a shame but also a breach of constitution clauses enshrining freedom of expression.
In an interview with media, Mr Yingcheep vowed his group would investigate further and pursue legal action if it becomes clear who was involved in the Pegasus operation.
Such allegations, if true, tarnish not only the government's reputation but also the country's image as an open society.
Agencies tasked with human rights advocacy now have a moral obligation to take up calls for a probe into this alleged government spy network.
