Thailand Government Meets Apple Over Spyware Alerts to Politicians
Thai government officials met with Apple representatives after the company warned politicians they were targeted by mercenary spyware ahead of a December no-confidence debate.
The Thai government met with Apple representatives this week to address security notifications issued on October 29. The alerts warned politicians and other individuals in Thailand and 98 other countries that they were possible targets of mercenary spyware.
Several high-profile figures, including People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut and Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, confirmed receiving the warnings. The timing of the alerts is notable as they arrived shortly before a scheduled no-confidence debate in December.
Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaichanok Chidchob described the threat as unprecedented, though he clarified that a notification does not confirm a device was actually compromised. The Thai government denied any state involvement in the targeting and stated there is no confirmed evidence linking the activity to Pegasus spyware.
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society is now coordinating with the National Security Council, the National Cyber Security Agency, and domestic technology firms. The government expects to develop and release a comprehensive security plan during the week of November 16.
