Lawmaker Urges Government to Overhaul Outdated Information Law
A People's Party MP called on the government to modernize Thailand's Public Information Act, citing civil servants' reluctance to release data due to personal liability fears, as amendments have stalled at the Cabinet level since 2020.
On September 16, Pawadhut Pongwithayapanu, a People's Party list MP, addressed parliament regarding the Public Information Act, saying Thailand needs greater transparency and public access to government data. However, he noted that government agencies have struggled to release information, and after speaking with multiple civil servants, he found that many agencies are reluctant to disclose data for fear that if any mistakes emerge and lawsuits follow, officials will be held personally liable. This, he said, shows the law is not functioning as it should.
Pawadhut explained that the subcommittee has been reviewing amendments to the law since 2020—six years ago—and Thailand is ready to improve how government data is shared. However, the issue is currently stalled at the Cabinet level. He called for immediate action from the Prime Minister, asking for an executive order implementing "Open by Default"—where government information is presumed public unless specifically exempted—as a way to protect civil servants who want to release public data.
For the long term, he urged the Cabinet to submit the amended Public Information Act to parliament for consideration and passage. He also requested the government clarify the bill's current status, who is responsible for it, and when it will be resubmitted, noting that multiple agencies have discussed improvements but the Prime Minister should accelerate discussions on the reform.
