Thai media activists say Thailand's reputation as a regional leader for free speech has suffered a further setback with the passage of amended laws governing computer crime.
The amendments to the 2007 Computer Crimes Act were passed overwhelmingly by the military backed National Legislative Assembly last week.
Thai officials say the changes target the digital economy and society while protecting the people's rights from being violated on social and digital media.
The amendments also impose hefty fines and jail sentences in cases related to national security, defamation and online fraud, with jail terms of up to five years.