New information about Pegasus reveals how an Israeli espionage program used Thailand to target more than 30 activists through mobile phone hacking. Investigations by Citizen Lab, iLaw, and Amnesty International published this Monday, following Apple’s warning last November that iPhone users could be infected by the virus.
The reports indicate that victims were surveilled while taking part in demonstrations against the Thai government’s policies and the monarchy, which remains a sensitive topic. The current government arrived in power after a controversial 2019 election, portraying itself as democratic despite a history of a coup and suppression of freedoms. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha heads the military-led administration, often described as a dictatorship by critics.
Those targeted by this Pegasus espionage included organizers of peaceful pro-democracy protests and opponents of the regime and monarchy. Many faced arrest and charges tied to Thailand’s restrictive laws that curb large gatherings, criticism of the king, or acts deemed harmful to the government.
Though the investigations did not prove direct involvement by Thai authorities in the spyware operation, NSO Group, the creator of Pegasus, asserted that the product is sold only to government agencies, with its sale requiring Israeli government approval.
blacklisted
Pegasus is a spyware program capable of infiltrating a victim’s smartphone, turning the device into a surveillance tool. It can covertly access data, use the camera, and turn on the microphone, enabling the operator to see and hear without detection.
Numerous studies have documented Pegasus’ use against political opponents in roughly 50 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Rwanda, and Spain. In Spain, more than 60 Catalan politicians, lawyers, and pro-independence activists were targeted. In other cases, the spyware has been linked to activities that affected high-profile figures, including heads of state such as Spain’s Pedro Sánchez and France’s Emmanuel Macron.
Repeated disclosures of Pegasus abuses led the United States to blacklist NSO Group, labeling it a threat to national security and foreign policy interests. In parallel, Apple and Meta have pursued legal action against the firm for alleged hacking activities aimed at tracking users.