The global 2022 Freedom on the Net Report, published by Freedom House on October 18, compares internet freedom across different countries. Manushya Foundation co-authored the Freedom on the Net 2022 country report for Thailand. 

 

In a context of ever-ratcheting digital authoritarianism, Thailand is no exception. It scored 39/100, falling into the category of “not free” countries in the Freedom on the Net index.

 

The internet is severely restricted in Thailand. A wide-ranging crackdown on online expression was carried out by the military-led regime in response to pro-democracy protests that started in July 2020 and continued throughout the coverage period. Authorities significantly increased the use of lèse- majesté law and sedition, charging and imprisoning individuals for online expression. Pro-democracy activists face heavy prison sentences.

 

State-sponsored attacks, intimidation, and harassment targeting individuals for their online activities also continued. The government repeatedly extended the enforcement of a repressive emergency declaration issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, imposing further constraints on fundamental freedoms, though the courts found some measures unconstitutional.