Thai Minister:Single int'l Internet gateway is for economic reasons

BANGKOK, September 25 (TNA) - Thailand's single international Internet gateway project has been planned for economic reasons without any intention to limit people's freedom. Thai Information and Communication Technology Minister (ICT) Uttama Savanayana told journalists of the stance on Friday. Uttama said that the Thai government's project is aimed at cost reduction because relevant business operators who need gateways would not have to invest fully in their own facilities in the future but could share infrastructure systems if the initiative was materialized. The ICT minister denied that the planned project includes a security reason, insisting that participation in the project would be on a voluntary basis. The minister stressed that the project has neither taken a clear shape, nor been proposed to the Thai Cabinet for further consideration yet. According to the ICT minister, opponents of the project appear to misunderstand, while concerned government officials will later explain the project in details. The Thai ICT minister affirmed that his ministry does not copy such the project from any country alleged of limiting people's freedom. (TNA)