The Personal Data Protection Committee (PDPC) of Thailand organized the PDPA 2024 International Conference under the theme “Key Global Trends in Data Privacy”. The conference aimed to raise awareness about the importance of personal data protection among Thai and foreign citizens. Experts in PDPA law from various countries participated in the discussions.
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Dr. Siwarak Siwamokkhajorn, Secretary-General of the PDPC, stated that the PDPC is actively working to elevate Thailand’s personal data protection standards to the international level. The conference aimed to provide knowledge and understanding of PDPA law to all sectors under the campaign “Take Control of your Data #ตะโกนให้โลกรู้ข้อมูลส่วนตัวสำคัญที่สุด”.
Dr. Siwarak also emphasized the importance of ASEAN Model Contractual Clauses (ASEAN MCCs), which are contractual terms and conditions that companies can use as a legal basis for cross-border data transfers. ASEAN MCCs are primarily designed for personal data transfers between ASEAN countries but can also be adapted for domestic business transfers or transfers to non-ASEAN countries.
“Although the use of ASEAN MCCs is voluntary, it complies with the data transfer restrictions under Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and is supported by the Personal Data Protection Commission of Singapore (PDPC),” said Dr. Siwarak.
The adoption of ASEAN MCCs is a welcome development as it helps improve efficiency in terms of time and cost for businesses by reducing compliance and negotiation costs. However, businesses should be aware of the appropriate application of ASEAN MCCs to the context and countries involved and should not use them without considering their suitability.
Mr. Prasert Chanthararuangthong, Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DES), presided over the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote speech on “Key Global Trends in Data Privacy”. He emphasized the importance of PDPA in the era of rapid growth in artificial intelligence (AI) and Big Data.
“The Ministry of DES recognizes the importance of personal data breaches and has assigned the PDPC to work proactively to raise awareness of the importance of personal data in all sectors,” said Mr. Prasert.
Mr. Prasert mentioned that Thailand’s PDPA is modeled after the European Union’s GDPR, aiming to protect personal data and prevent violations of individual rights. The law covers all types of personal data, including names, addresses,phone numbers, photos, and health information, whether in document or electronic form.
Mr. Prasert highlighted the challenges of protecting personal data in the data-driven business and marketing era,especially with the use of Big Data and AI, which could lead to rights violations if data is used beyond its intended purpose.
“This conference, therefore, focuses on providing knowledge about international personal data protection laws so that all sectors understand and can comply with the standards correctly,” said Mr. Prasert.
The PDPA 2024 International Conference is a crucial platform that emphasizes the importance of personal data protection in the digital age. Experts from around the world shared knowledge and experiences to elevate Thailand’s personal data protection standards to the international level. The conference also focused on raising awareness about ASEAN MCCs,which are essential tools for safe and efficient cross-border personal data transfers.
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