UNESCO to host event on role of digital platforms for open access to information (ATI) in Thailand

Access to information (ATI), including online, digital information obtained through the internet, is an enabler of a broad range of human rights. Indeed, ATI is not only essential for freedom of expression; in addition, and as digitalization advances through civil society, it is also central to the realization of the rights to education, to freedom of association and assembly, to participation in social, cultural and political life, to health, to obtaining an adequate standard of living, and to fostering sustainable social cohesion and economic development and prosperity for all.

The interdependence of unfettered access to information and the democratic resilience of a society means that restrictions on access to the internet, or the unavailability of public information online, undermines the ability of individuals to exercise their democratic rights, while it inhibits institutions from properly and efficiently discharging their functions, including in the context of democratic elections.

In Thailand today, the internet penetration rate was, as recently as January 2023, at roughly 85.3 per cent,^[1] with 61.2 million internet users. The Inclusive Internet Index 2022, developed by Economist Impact, ranks Thailand 22nd out of 100 countries studied in terms of internet availability, as determined by the quality and breadth of available infrastructure required for access and levels of internet usage.^[2] Despite this high penetration rate and relatively wide availability of the internet to Thailand’s citizens, online censorship remains prevalent. This phenomenon does not depend upon illegal or clandestine activity; indeed, Thai authorities have broad, legally sanctioned powers to restrict online expression, impose censorship, and enforce civic surveillance. Due to this prevailing reality, Thailand is currently rated ‘Not Free’ according to Freedom House’s annual study of internet freedom, political rights, and civil liberties, as published in early 2023.

Amid a shrinking civic space and public sphere – often referred to as the ‘civic commons’ – for unfettered political discussion and expression, people in Thailand find themselves increasingly turning to social media. The hashtag (#) is a growing tool for all kinds of political expression, intruding even into the taboo issue of the monarchy. Whenever authorities place restrictions on existing social media channels, netizens in Thailand promptly seek new platforms for political expression.^[3]

Against this backdrop, general elections took place in May 2023. For the first time in nine years since the coup in 2014 that ousted the then elected Prime Minister, pro-democracy parties made a comeback in the Thailand election and were on course to create a government before being blocked by the parliamentary vote. Almost 40 million Thai citizens, or 75 per cent of registered voters, showed up at the polls, marking the highest turnout rate on record. The election and the vote count were enthusiastically observed and monitored by civic organizations from both local and international communities. With the utilization of communication technologies via mobile phone and the internet, vote counting in poll stations nationwide were reported in real-time by online media channels.^[4]

_{[1] Digital 2021 Report, developed by creative agency We Are Social and Meltwater}

_{[2] https://freedomhouse.org/country/thailand/freedom-net/2021} 

_{[3] Supalak Ganjanakhundee. 2020. Social Media and Thailand’s Struggle over Public Space}

_{[4] See: https://wewatchthailand.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/We-Watch-statement-May-16-2023-.pdf; https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2572134/we-watch-calls-for-speedy-vote-count; https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2518176/100-000-volunteers-to-monitor-vote-count-in-upcoming-election}

Duty bearers will be invited to present how online access to public information has been facilitated through legal framework, open e-government, and technology driven innovations, while rights holders will share user experiences on how accessible public information online can help the civic space, by fostering accountability, transparency, and public participation.

The online event will contribute to enhancing the capacity of both duty bearers and rights holders to monitor and advocate for progress towards access to information, as recognized by Sustainable Development Goal 16, Target 10.

• Thailand’s AIT oversight body and public institutions regulating and providing online public information, such as Office of the Information Commission (OIC), Digital Government Development Agency (DGA), and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). 
• Students and academics in higher education
• Think-tanks, NGOs, international organizations
• Related stakeholders
• Journalists and media organizations

28 September 2023

14.00 – 17.00 (Bangkok time, UTC+7)

TDRI Conference Room with live broadcast on social media platforms

English and Thai (with simultaneous interpretation)

Registration link

Upon registration, attendees will receive full details on how to participate.

Communication and Information Unit, UNESCO Bangkok
email: ci.bgk(at)unesco.org

#AccessToInformation