10th October 2024, Kathmandu
DigitalReach, a leading digital rights organization in Southeast Asia, is seeking a Research Assistant for a unique project focusing on spyware accountability in Thailand.
Spyware Accountability in Thailand
The 8-month consultancy role, based in Bangkok, will be instrumental in developing a legal framework to regulate the use of spyware in the country.
Background
The misuse of spyware, particularly Pegasus, has come under scrutiny after investigations revealed that it had been used against Thai dissidents and political opposition members during the 2020-2021 pro-democracy protests. In collaboration with iLaw and the Citizen Lab, DigitalReach exposed these abuses, leading to significant legal challenges and human rights investigations. However, Thailand lacks a comprehensive mechanism to prevent such spyware abuses, making the development of a legal framework critical.
The Project
The goal is to draft a law that addresses surveillance technology abuse and ensures accountability. The research will analyze existing Thai laws regarding spyware imports and lawful surveillance, while also considering international best practices. Key elements will include oversight mechanisms, regulations on using and destroying surveillance data, and punishment for unlawful surveillance.
The research assistant will help conduct in-depth interviews with legal experts, victims, and stakeholders while contributing to report writing, primarily in Thai. The final report will serve as a guideline for drafting legislation, which will be submitted to the Thai parliament with 10,000 public signatures.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will hold a bachelor’s degree in law or a related field, be fluent in Thai and English, and have an in-depth understanding of Thai legal mechanisms. They should also demonstrate strong research, writing, and interpersonal skills, along with a keen interest in Thai politics.
Applications are open until October 27, 2024, and the selected candidate will work remotely but must be based in Bangkok for meetings and interviews.
For more: Spyware Accountability in Thailand
