Thai-Vietnamese censorship could hinge on Trump

Significance

The case’s progress will be watched carefully in South-east Asia, especially in Thailand and Vietnam. In recent years, both countries have imposed increasingly stiff fines and criminal sentences on political activists criticising the government online or using the internet to organise political activities. This downward turn in Thailand is due to continued military rule and the royal transition, while the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) finds it increasingly difficult to contain criticism of one-party rule as public discourse moves from print to online outlets.

Impacts

• South-east Asian demand for effective encryption services will grow.
• Global brands can expect more intensive monitoring of their online advertising in South-east Asia.
• These brands may, therefore, need to devise alternative forms of advertising, appropriate to local political conditions.
• Thai internet controls will not ease significantly even after elections likely in mid-2018.