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Thailand Reworks Draft Game Industry Promotion Act: New Direction Emphasises Promotion, IP and a Broader Game Ecosystem
- Lexpertise Law Firm
- Aug 18
- 5 min read
Thailand is continuing its efforts to introduce dedicated legislation for the game industry. However, the proposed Game Industry Promotion Act (ร่างพระราชบัญญัติส่งเสริมอุตสาหกรรมเกม พ.ศ. …) is undergoing a significant policy rethink.
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (“MDES”), together with the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (“DEPA”), has been developing the bill as a framework to both promote Thailand’s game industry and establish clearer rules for the sector. Earlier versions placed substantial emphasis on registration, supervision, game ratings and measures to address potentially harmful or gambling-related game features. More recently, however, the Government has indicated that the draft should be revised because it places too much weight on regulation and not enough on industry development.
As of 18 August 2026, the bill has not reached a final form for Cabinet consideration. The Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Mr. Chaichanok Chidchob, has directed a team to review and revise key parts of the proposal, with the Government aiming to see concrete progress during 2026 but without announcing a firm date for completion.
How the Bill Developed
Thailand currently does not have a single dedicated statute designed specifically to promote and regulate the modern game industry. Games have historically been addressed through the existing film and video regulatory framework and other applicable laws. The Government therefore began developing a separate game-industry law to reflect the different commercial, technological and creative characteristics of the sector.
In January 2025, the Government held a formal consultation on the principles of the proposed Game Industry Promotion Act. At that stage, DEPA identified five central elements of the proposed framework: definitions, relevant committees, registration, regulatory oversight and an industry promotion fund. The proposal was intended to cover game developers, producers, distributors, game distribution platforms and related goods and services.
By October 2025, DEPA was still describing the draft as being prepared for submission to Cabinet. At that time, the proposed structure included registration and supervisory mechanisms intended not only to support the industry but also to address games involving gambling-like features, such as randomised rewards or reward-conversion mechanisms.
The proposal continued to be promoted during 2026. In June 2026, DEPA stated that the bill remained part of its plan to develop Thailand’s game industry, including support for entrepreneurs, personnel and the wider industry ecosystem.
What Was Included in the Current Draft?
Although the text is now being reconsidered and may change substantially, the earlier version of the proposal contained several important elements.
Registration of industry participants and platforms. The framework contemplated registration of game developers and producers, distributors, operators and platforms distributing games in Thailand. Registration was intended both to create reliable industry data and to establish a clearer regulatory structure.
A multi-committee governance structure. The version publicly discussed in 2025 contemplated three principal committees covering registration, regulatory inspection and industry promotion, with participation from government, private-sector representatives and specialists.
Game supervision and player protection. A major regulatory objective was to address games with gambling-like or reward-based mechanisms and other risks to consumers, particularly children and young people. Earlier statements suggested that enforcement authorities, including cyber police, could have powers against games operating outside the registration system.
Game ratings. Development of a more systematic game-rating framework has been one of the issues under consideration. However, the precise model—particularly the extent to which ratings could operate through industry self-regulation rather than prior government approval—has remained an important point of discussion.
Game Industry Promotion Fund. The proposed legislation contemplated a fund to support the game industry, including entrepreneurs, skills development and competitiveness. However, its funding sources remain uncertain, and DEPA has indicated that the fund could be removed from the bill if sufficient funding cannot be secured.
Industry development. Beyond regulation, the policy objectives have included human-resource development, increasing the competitiveness of Thai developers, attracting international investment and building a stronger domestic ecosystem capable of competing internationally.
Because the Government is now rewriting material parts of the proposal, these features should be regarded as elements of the earlier draft, rather than confirmed provisions of the version that may ultimately be submitted to Cabinet.
Industry Concerns Over the Earlier Approach
The earlier proposal drew concerns from Thai game developers and operators that the framework could become more regulatory than promotional.
Key concerns included the strong role of government officials, limited private-sector participation, unclear support measures, possible compliance costs for smaller developers, potential intervention in game content, uncertainty over the rating system, and whether the proposed fund would effectively benefit the industry.
Some industry participants also questioned references to issues such as “game addiction” and violence, and called for greater emphasis on practical support, including industry events, market access, promotion and shared infrastructure.
These concerns are particularly relevant as the Government is now reconsidering the balance between regulation and industry promotion.
The Government’s Latest Direction
The Government has now moved to revise the earlier draft. On 17 August 2026, Minister of Digital Economy and Society Mr. Chaichanok Chidchob stated that the previous version placed too much emphasis on regulation and insufficient emphasis on industry promotion.
The revised approach is expected to focus on three main areas:
1. Broader Definition of “Game”
The Government is considering whether the legislation should extend beyond video games to include board games, trading card games and other related activities. The final definition will therefore be important for businesses across the wider game ecosystem.
2. Greater Focus on Intellectual Property
The Minister has also called for stronger emphasis on Thai intellectual property, including characters, stories, cultural content and other creative assets that can be developed across games and related products. This could position the legislation as part of Thailand’s broader creative-economy strategy.
3. Better Balance Between Promotion and Regulation
The Government continues to recognise the need for safeguards, particularly for children and young people, but has indicated that regulation should not unnecessarily restrict industry growth.
On 14 August 2026, MDES also discussed a “Safe Gaming Ecosystem” with industry representatives and clarified that its policy is not aimed at broadly banning or blocking game platforms. This suggests a more promotion-oriented approach than earlier versions of the draft, although the final regulatory and enforcement framework remains to be seen.
What Happens Next?
The direction of travel is now clearer, but the details are not.
The Government remains committed to developing dedicated legislation for the game industry, but the earlier draft should no longer be treated as the final regulatory model. Key questions—including the precise scope of the definition of “game”, registration requirements, the composition and powers of regulatory bodies, the game-rating system, the role of self-regulation, fees, fund administration, enforcement powers and obligations applicable to online platforms—remain subject to further development.
For developers, publishers, distributors, digital platforms, trading-card businesses, esports operators and investors, the revised draft will therefore require close attention once it becomes publicly available.
Whether the revised legislation achieves that balance will depend on the detailed wording of the next draft.
Written by
Manaswee Wongsuryrat
Partner
Intouch Songsermsakul
Associate
