Spectre of Pegasus spyware returns to Thai politics

Résumé détaillé

Warnings that recently arrived on two opposition leaders’ iPhones have brought the spectre of Pegasus spyware back into Thai politics.

Warnings that recently arrived on two opposition leaders’ iPhones have brought the spectre of Pegasus spyware back into Thai politics.

Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut from the People’s Party and Democrat Party leader and former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva confirmed on November 3 they had received security alerts from Apple Inc.

The language of the “threat notification” was stark: “Apple detected that you are being targeted by a mercenary spyware attack that is trying to remotely compromise the iPhone associated with your Apple account.”

The warning also said: “This attack is likely targeting you specifically because of who you are or what you do. Attackers may be attempting to access sensitive information such as passwords, messages, and contacts, as well as your device camera and microphone.”

The spyware attacks come as Natthaphong and Abhisit prepare to scrutinise the government during next month’s no-confidence debate, which will target 18 Cabinet members, all from the ruling Bhumjaithai Party.

Natthaphong described the timing as a “really extreme coincidence”, noting that the attacks occurred after the censure debate was postponed from late October to early December. Abhisit also questioned the timing, saying he had been told that the spyware belonged to the “Pegasus family”, which is often used by state agencies.

MP Pawoot Pongvitayapanu from the opposition People’s Party noted that Thai authorities have a history of using Pegasus.

He said the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) purchased Pegasus software in 2014 for 247.5 million baht to support its investigations, but stopped using it in 2020 after maintenance funds ran out.

He added that the NSB asked for another 350 million baht to acquire an intelligence system similar to Pegasus in 2023, but the request was rejected by the House budget committee.

Début de l'article, extrait de Thai PBS World. Pour lire la suite, ouvrez l'article chez le média.