The NLA passed the National Intelligence Act B.E. 2562 (A.D. 2019) (“Act”) to replace the National Intelligence Act B.E. 2528 (A.D. 1985). The Act became effective on the 17^th of April 2019. Its objective is to enhance the capacity of government officials and increase the efficiency of national intelligence operations to fight against all forms of threats including threats to national security conducted by foreigners, terrorist organizations, persons, and groups of people in Thailand and abroad.

The National Intelligence Coordination Center (“NICC”) will be established by the National Intelligence Agency (“NIA”) to coordinate with other intelligence agencies on intelligence matters.

The Act authorizes the NIA to order government authorities and any other persons to deliver information or documents which may affect national security within a prescribed time period.  If such authorities or persons fail to deliver information or documents within the prescribed time period, the NIA shall report such failure to the Prime Minister, who shall issue further orders as appropriate.

If it is necessary to obtain information or documents relating to intelligence operations, counter-intelligence, communications intelligence operations or civil security safeguards, the NIA may obtain such information or documents through any means necessary, which may include electronic devices, scientific instruments, telecommunications devices, or other technologies in accordance with the rules and procedures to be prescribed by the Director-General of the NIA with approval of the Prime Minister.

Any information that the NIA has obtained under the Act cannot be disclosed except for a disclosure to intelligence operation units, national security units, the Prime Minister or a disclosure by a court order.