Failure to disclose official information under Section 15 of the Official Information Act, B.E. 2540

Abstract

 The purpose of this research was to study the nature of non-disclosure of official information under Section 15 of the Official Information Act, B.E. 2540 in order to find guidelines for developing the law on official information according to the Official Information Act, B.E. 2540. This research is a documentary research based on the judgment of the Administrative Court. Rulings of the Information Disclosure Tribunal and Related Laws. The study found that non-disclosure of official information under section 15 is an exercise of discretion by government agencies and government officials. taking into account the compliance with the law Public interests and private interests go hand in hand. and the characteristics of official information that may be ordered not to be disclosed under section 15 are: (1) the disclosure will cause damage to national security; international relations or stability in the economy or finance of the country (2) Disclosure will cause the law enforcement to deteriorate or fail to achieve its objectives. Whether it involves prosecution, prevention, suppression, testing, investigation or knowing the source of information. (3) an opinion or recommendation within a State agency in the execution of any matter; But this does not include academic reports. fact report (4) The disclosure will cause danger to the life or safety of any person. (5) Medical reports or personal information, the disclosure of which would be an unreasonable invasion of privacy. (6) official information protected by law from disclosure or information provided by a person without intention of being disclosed by the government to others.From the study, there were recommendations to define the word “Public interests” and “National security” in accordance with the Official Information Act B.E. 2540. In order to create the framework for government officials in disclosing or not disclosing official information and ensuring the right of people to access official information.