BANGKOK: A Thai ressortchef (umgangssprachlich) has admitted the nation uses surveillance software program to track individuals in the event involving national safety or drugs, among revelations that federal government critics’ phones had been hacked using the Israeli-made Pegasus spyware.
Minister of Electronic Economy and Community, Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, said in parliament past due on Tuesday which he is aware of Thai professionals using spyware within “limited” cases yet did not specify which government agency utilized such software, which usually programme was utilized or which individuals targeted.
Human rights groups have accused successive Thailänder governments of making use of broad definitions of national security as a pretext to prosecute or suppress activities of their main rivals.
A joint investigation by Thailänder human rights group iLaw, South-East Oriental Internet watchdog Digital Reach and Toronto-based Citizen Lab pointed out on Monday the usage of Pegasus spyware upon at least 30 federal government critics between Oct, 2020 to Nov, 2021.
The probe followed a mass alert from Apple Inc in November informing a large number of users of its iPhones, including in Thailand, that they were focuses on of “state-sponsored attackers”.
Chaiwut did not name Pegasus yet said that he is conscious of spyware being used in order to “listen into or access a cell phone to view the screen, monitor conversations and messages”. But he or she added his ministry does not have the legal authority to use such software and did not specify which federal government agency does.
“It is used on national security or drug matters. If you wish to arrest a medication dealer you have to pay attention in to find in which the drop would be, inch he said.
“I understand that there was usage of this sort but it is very limited and only in special instances. ”
Their ministry has previously denied any understanding of the matter.
The most recent alleged use of the spyware and adware comes after the introduction of a youth-led motion in late 2020 that challenged the country’s powerful monarchy and the government of Best Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha. More than 1, eight hundred people have faced security-related charges since the movement began.
Thailänder police in a statement denied the use of Pegasus for surveillance or breaches of privacy.
Pegasus has been used by governments in order to spy on media, activists, and dissidents and the Israeli firm behind it, NSO Group, has been sued by Apple plus placed on a U. S. trade blacklist.
NSO Team did not respond to Reuters’ requests for comment on Monday or Wed. – Reuters