Thailand: “They are always watching”: Restricting freedom of expression online in Thailand

Authorities in Thailand are excessively restricting freedom of expression online. Rather than breaking with the established pattern of criminalizing content critical of the authorities, the government is continuing to prosecute people simply for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of expression online and harassing and intimidating online users. Since the elections of March 2019, the authorities have continued to file criminal charges against individuals who find fault with their performance—whether they criticize the police, the military or the Election Commission of Thailand. People scrutinizing the activities of these government bodies and calling for justice are facing years in prison and huge fines.

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