Legal Measures to Implement a Social Credit System: A Case Study of the People’s Republic of China

Abstract

Background and Aims: The social credit score system has its roots in the Chinese government's idea of building a quality society, believing that encouraging citizens to have good behavior and follow rules will benefit society as a whole. The government wants to use the social credit score system as a tool to control the behavior of citizens and business operators. To bring about changes in the behavioral context of people, trade competition, and technology. Thus, this research is a study of the establishment of a social credit system in Thailand through a case study of the social credit system of the People's Republic of China. The objectives of the research are 1) To study the concept Theories and principles related to legal measures in the preparation of the social credit score system 2) To study and analyze the comparative advantages and disadvantages of using the social credit score system with legal measures in the preparation of the social credit score system 3) to study and find legal measures for creating a social credit score system. In the case of use in Thailand.

Methodology: The study method is used in the form of documentary research by collecting information from academic documents in Thai and foreign languages from reliable sources for use in research. After that, the obtained data to compiled and analyzed by using content analysis methods based on various questions that constitute a research hypothesis for both of two cases of social credit systems in China and Thailand.

Results: (1) The concept of the social credit system within the Chinese government is to build quality societies by encouraging people to behave well and comply with various regulations.  This will be beneficial for society as a whole. The government wants to use the social credit system as a tool to control the behavior of citizens and economic operators, leading to changes in the behavioral context of people, commerce, and technological competition. (2) The social credit system is very relevant and important in people's lives or business operations. The social credit system involves several concerns, such as transparency and fairness, privacy, and personal information violations.  Especially the impact on society which can lead to a societal clash. (3) The implementation of a social credit system in Thailand can be classified into 2 cases, namely: Implementing the system only in those areas that determine good behavior.  It aims to reward people with good social credit scores without resorting to sanctioning or enforcement mechanisms.  This case therefore relies above all on consent and voluntary action and can implement the system covering many sectors.  In the latter case, a clear policy must be created. Laws and regulations would need to be changed to establish a social credit system in Thailand.

Conclusion: The social credit system is an idea that seeks to enhance society by rewarding good behavior, but its implementation raises questions about invasions of privacy and social unrest. Adoption in Thailand has two challenges: a regulatory structure that requires considerable legal and policy reforms for broad integration, and a voluntary approach focused on rewarding good behavior.