Laws Extend to Virtual Realm According to Government Ministry
Thailand has officially released a position paper outlining its stance on the application of international law in the digital realm, joining 32 other countries and two international organizations in shaping the global cyber order.
The document, a result of extensive consultations among multiple government departments, emphasises the applicability of human rights laws in cyberspace under international norms, affirming that protections extend to the digital realm as part of international law.
The position paper underscores core principles such as sovereignty, prohibition of non-intervention, the use of force, peaceful settlement of disputes, and nation-state responsibility in the context of cyber operations. It serves as a preliminary document for Thai agencies to provide guidelines for considering appropriate responses to cyber operations.
The paper responds to the call by the United Nations Open-ended Working Group (OEWG) for nation-states to express their views on how international law applies to cyberspace, contributing Thailand’s perspective to a growing global dialogue.
Thailand’s position supports shaping the global cyber order through the lens of international law and provides foundational guidelines for Thai agencies to formulate appropriate responses to cyber operations. The document also assists Thailand in aligning its cyber practices with international legal standards, including recent domestic legislation like the April 2025 cybercrime law that strengthens personal data protection.
By joining 32 other countries and regional organizations (African Union and European Union) that have published their national positions, Thailand participates actively in fostering a common understanding of international law’s application in the cyber domain.
The position paper, which was shared on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Facebook page, represents Thailand's official stance on the application of international law in cyberspace. This move signifies a significant step in Thailand's commitment to the responsible use of cyber technology within the global legal order.
In adherence to Thailand's official stance on the application of international law in the digital realm, the position paper underscores the importance of applying cybersecurity measures within the framework of technology. The document emphasizes the applicability of international human rights laws in cyberspace, thereby affirming the extension of protections to the digital realm under international law.