The Internet Content Regulation by the Government of Thailand: Deep State and the Internet in Thailand

Abstract

The objectives of this research were 1) to study and analyze the concepts and ideas of the governance of Internet contents through its governing mechanisms and the state’s actions, both directly and indirectly; and 2) to predict trends and offer suggestions in governing Internet contents in the future. This study employed qualitative research based on the information from documentary sources and fieldwork research using in-depth interviews. The subjects were selected by purposive random sampling method with four groups of key informants: 1) representatives of governmental regulators; 2) Internet users, mass media, and auditors in civil society organizations; 3) Internet service providers and social media; and 4) academic experts on Internet issues. The analysis is descriptive. The research results showed that the state employed various strict governing mechanisms to surveil Internet contents by using laws and indirect regulations that shift political violence from the real world to cyberspace. From 2005 to 2021, the surveillance of Internet contents has focused on several issues such as the stability of the government, the military junta, the state of emergency, and lèse-majesté law. However, there has been increasing awareness regarding freedom of expression and the use of the Internet among Thai netizens. The concept and idea of Internet content regulation by the Thai state has five key elements: (1) deep state, (2) law, (3) market, (4) social norms, (Thainess myth), and (5) the Internet architecture/structure in Thailand. As a result, the Internet in Thailand cannot be a public sphere for democratization.