Bangkok: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken a significant step in regulating cyber issues by circulating a comprehensive manual on countermeasures within the international legal framework for Thai security agencies. This document, which delineates principles such as state sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, non-use of force, peaceful dispute resolution, and state responsibility, aims to guide agencies in their cybersecurity efforts.

According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has prepared and published Thailand’s National Position on the Application and Interpretation of International Law in Cyberspace. This document is the outcome of consultations with various Thai agencies, including the Office of the Attorney General, the Council of State, and the National Security Council, among others. It provides guidelines for interpreting international legal principles applicable to cyberspace and reflects Thailand’s current stance while allowing for future amendments in line with technological advancements and international discussions.

The initiative responds to the annual report of the Open-ended Working Group (OEWG) on the security of information and communication technologies for 2021-2025. The report encourages countries to publish their positions on international law in the cyber realm and supports capacity building to foster a shared understanding, potentially leading to the development of legally binding instruments. Currently, 32 countries and two international organizations, the African Union and the European Union, are engaging in drafting national positions.

The manual is expected to help organize the cyber world under international law, providing a foundational guide for Thai agencies in responding to cyber operations. It also seeks to establish a framework for these agencies’ operations in cyberspace, ensuring alignment with international law.