Thailand's military government, which has cracked down on online dissent since seizing power in 2014, is pushing ahead with cybersecurity bills that rights groups say could mean more extensive online monitoring, raising concerns over privacy protection.

Amendments to Thailand's 2007 Computer Crime Act to be considered by parliament next month have come under fire from critics who say the bill could give state officials sweeping powers to spy on internet users and restrict online speech.

Critics say parliament is likely to approve the amendments because lawmakers voted unanimously to pass the bill in its first reading.