Thai police to monitor chat app for crimes

BANGKOK — Thai police have asked the operator of the popular Line instant messaging app for access to records of online chats, raising concerns about intrusive surveillance, despite promising only suspected criminals would be targeted.

The Technology Crime Suppression Division chief, Police Major-General Pisit Paoin, said yesterday that the police want to review the data of users they suspect are involved in crimes, including making statements against the monarchy, arms trading, prostitution and drug dealing.

Thailand has stiff lese-majeste laws, which impose maximum prison terms of 15 years, and government officials attempt to scrub the Internet of statements critical of the King and his family.

“We are monitoring only those who break the law. If you’re using Line and social media to break the law, then you see us, the police,” M-G Pisit told The Associated Press.

The move has raised concerns about violations of privacy and free speech. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said yesterday that the government did not intend to limit people’s freedom, and any monitoring would target individuals rather than the general public.

M-G Pisit said his unit approached Line operator Naver in South Korea and in Japan, where its servers are based, and was hopeful of cooperation. He said the requests for information would be on a case-by-case basis. M-G Pisit will fly to Tokyo to talk with Line representatives on Friday.

There are more than 10 million Line users in Thailand.

Last week, Thai police summoned four people for posting coup rumours on Facebook and threatened to charge anyone who “liked” the postings. AP