Call for tech defences to protect sovereignty

Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is raising an urgent alarm over the nation's eroding 'communication sovereignty,' warning that reliance on global technology platforms and burgeoning Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks threatens national interests. AM Thanapant Raicharoen, an NBTC commissioner, highlighted the peril of foreign entities controlling nearly 100% of Thai data and digital infrastructure, likening the situation to a loss of extraterritorial rights in cyberspace. The call for robust digital defenses comes as the NBTC pushes for urgent measures to safeguard against external influence and cyber threats. This immediate threat is underscored by Thailand's broader regulatory efforts, which have intensified with the enforcement of the Digital Platform Service Businesses Royal Decree B.E. 2565 (2022) and the recent activation of an AI Act in March 2026. The Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) has rolled out a 2026 roadmap focusing on verifiable standards, fair competition, and online fraud prevention, while the Trade Competition Commission of Thailand (TCCT) issued new guidelines on unfair trade practices in multi-sided platforms. Concurrently, the state-owned National Telecom (NT) is leading a strategic shift to bolster 'submarine cable sovereignty,' aiming to reduce the country's 80% reliance on vulnerable land-based internet routes by consolidating state networks and investing in new underwater infrastructure. Looking ahead, Thailand's strategy involves cultivating indigenous technology, strictly regulating multinational platforms, and fostering regional cooperation within ASEAN to collectively negotiate with global tech giants. The NBTC updated Frequency Management Master Plan for 2026–2028 further emphasizes drafting guidelines for licensing LEO satellite communications, while a new notification on foreign internet services seeks to prevent misuse of Thai networks. This multi-pronged approach aims to transition Thailand from a 'system tenant' to a 'creator' in the digital realm, ensuring strategic autonomy amidst escalating geopolitical and technological competition.