NGO bill rings rights alarm bells
Hinders freedom of speech, critics say
A controversial draft law regulating non-profit organisations could muzzle freedom of expression, experts say.
The bill has broadly defined the organisations subject to its regulations as “non-profit”, which covers not only non-government organisations (NGOs) but other groups of people formed to exercise their freedom of expression, said Saree Aongsomwang, secretary-general of the Foundation for Consumers.
If the focus were NGOs alone, the government has many legal means at its disposal to check on them, she said. Existing laws require charities and associations to report their performance to the authorities, Ms Saree added.
Saree: Checks exist already
The authorities can audit the funding of non-profit organisations or require overseas…
