THAILAND
Since June 2020
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Restrictions on domain names
Domain Name Registration Policy 2020 (นโยบายการจดทะเบียนชื่อโดเมน .th และ .ไทย)
According to the Domain Name Registration Policy 2020, the domain name ".co.th" is designed for business entities registered with the Department of Business Development in Thailand, state enterprises, or any person who registered the Value Added Tax with the Revenue Department in Thailand. In addition, according to Section 2 of the guidelines, the domain name holder can be a foreigner who holds a registered trademark with the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) in Thailand. However, foreign juristic persons or trademark owners must appoint an agent to hold rights in a domain name on their behalf.
Coverage Horizontal
THAILAND
Since April 1979
Since April 2002
Since April 2002
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Framework for consumer protection applicable to online commerce
Consumer Protection Act, 1979 (พระราชบัญญัติคุ้มครองผู้บริโภค - พ.ศ. 2522)
Direct Sales and Direct Marketing Act, 2002 (ขายตรงและตลาดแบบตรงพ.ศ. 2545)
Direct Sales and Direct Marketing Act, 2002 (ขายตรงและตลาดแบบตรงพ.ศ. 2545)
The Consumer Protection Act 1979 and the Direct Sales and Direct Marketing Act 2002 provide a comprehensive framework for consumer protection that also applies to online transactions.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20221220085329/https://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/th/th026en.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20221220113722/http://www2.austlii.edu.au/~graham/AsianLII/Thai_Translation/Direct%20Sale%20and%20Direct%20Marketing%20Act.pdf
- https://unctad.org/page/cyberlaw-tracker-country-detail?country=th
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THAILAND
Since March 2025, in force since October 2025
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Ratification of the UN Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts
UN Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts
Thailand has acceded to the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts. Upon accession, Thailand declared that, the Convention shall not apply to communications or transactions specifically excluded under Section 3 of the Electronic Transactions Act B.E. 2544 (2001) of Thailand; contracts to which at least one of the parties is a Thai state agency; and transactions which are required to be registered with a competent authority under Thai law. This is in accordance with Art. 19, paragraph 2, of the Convention.
Coverage Horizontal
THAILAND
Since June 2007, as amended in 2017
Pillar Content access |
Indicator Blocking or filtering of commercial web content
Computer-Related Crime Act B.E. 2550 (พระราชบัญญัติว่าด้วยการกระทำความผิดเกี่ยวกับคอมพิวเตอร์ พ.ศ. ๒๕๕๐)
Section 20 of the Computer-Related Crime Act empowers the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) to seek judicial authorisation to block or remove online content deemed harmful to national security, public order, or good morals, yet experts contend that the provision is interpreted too broadly and lacks transparent, objective criteria for imposing domain‑level restrictions, granting authorities extensive discretion under the Act’s expansive definitions. Consequently, it is reported that enforcement actions have at times extended beyond clearly unlawful websites and have affected legitimate global platforms. For example, in July 2025, the Thai government ordered internet service providers to block more than 500 URLs pursuant to a court order issued at the request of the MDES under Section 20, most of which related to online casinos, lottery operators, and betting services. Notably, the list also included the widely used link‑shortening service "Bit.ly", whose millions of user‑generated links mean that an outright ban imposes significant collateral impacts on businesses, digital marketers, developers, platforms, and end‑users.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260207143837/https://www.mdes.go.th/law/detail/3618-COMPUTER-RELATED-CRIME-ACT-B-E--2550--2007-
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260401234839/https://revtrix.io/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Banned_URLs.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260401234859/https://revtrix.io/blog/thailand-digital-crackdown-urls-ban-2025/
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THAILAND
Since November 1999
Pillar Content access |
Indicator Restrictions on online advertising
Foreign Business Act, B.E. 2542 (1999) (พระราชบัญญัติการประกอบธุรกิจของคน. ต างด าว พ.ศ. ๒๕๔๒)
List 3 of the Foreign Business Act includes industries in which "Thai nationals are not yet ready to compete with foreigners". These are open to foreign investors provided they receive a licence from the Director-General of the Department of Business Development of the Ministry of Commerce and approval from the Foreign Business Committee. A wide range of businesses are covered under List 3, including advertising businesses. A foreign company can engage in List 3 activities if Thai nationals hold a majority of the limited company’s shares. Any company with a majority of foreign shareholders (more than 50%) cannot engage in List 3 activities unless it receives an exception from the Ministry of Commerce under its Foreign Business License application.
Coverage Advertising sector
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230905142857/https://investmentpolicy.unctad.org/investment-laws/laws/40/thailand-foreign-business-act
- https://web.archive.org/web/20220601052130/https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=q:/WT/TPR/S400R1.pdf&Open=True
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231001145823/https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-investment-climate-statements/thailand/
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THAILAND
Since June 2013
Since August 2013
Since August 2013
Pillar Content access |
Indicator Licensing schemes for digital services and applications
Notification of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission regarding Criteria, Procedures and Conditions for Digital Television Services Licensing, 2013
Notification of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission regarding Criteria, Procedures and Condition for Digital Television Services Auction, 2013
Notification of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission regarding Criteria, Procedures and Condition for Digital Television Services Auction, 2013
According to the Notification of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission regarding Criteria, Procedures, and Conditions for Digital Television Services Licensing 2013, any person who wishes to operate a digital television program must obtain a digital television license by qualifying and paying the fee. In addition, after receiving the license, a person shall be entered into the process of digital television channel auction as prescribed in the NBTC Notification 2013 regarding the auction.
Coverage Digital TV
Sources
THAILAND
Since October 2013
Pillar Content access |
Indicator Licensing schemes for digital services and applications
Agenda 4.24 Resolutions of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC)'s meeting No. 38/2013
Cloud computing services typically do not require a telecommunications license. However, when such services utilise a leased line network to connect users to the cloud infrastructure, they are categorised as telecommunications services. Consequently, providers must obtain a Type 1 license, as prescribed by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) under the Telecommunications Business Act. This requirement is outlined in Agenda 4.24 of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) meeting No. 38/2013.
Coverage Cloud computing sector
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241129193917/https://www.nbtc.go.th/getattachment/Information/cabinet/%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0-%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%81...
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241129194212/https://www.nbtc.go.th/getattachment//Information/cabinet/%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0-%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%8...
- https://web.archive.org/web/20221004044628/https://www.lawplusltd.com/2016/10/thailand-no-cloudy-cloud/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230322004936/https://www.expatden.com/thailand/vpn-thailand/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230306083015/https://th.vpnmentor.com/blog/vpn-%E0%B8%96%E0%B8%B9%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%8E%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B7%E0%B8%AD%E0%B9...
- https://web.archive.org/web/20221117095945/http://web.krisdika.go.th/data/outsitedata/outsite21/file/Telecommunications_Business_Act_BE_2544_(2001).pdf
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THAILAND
Since January 1955, last amended in March 1992
Since November 2012
Since November 2012
Pillar Quantitative trade restrictions for ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Other import restrictions, including non-transparent/discriminatory import procedures
Radio Communication Act (No. 3), 1992 (พรบ. วิทยุคมนาคม (ฉบับที่ 3) พ.ศ. 2535)
Notification of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission on Criteria and Procedures for Granting A Permit to Manufacture, Import, Sell, or Offer for Sale or Install Receiver, Apparatus or Device Enabled for Receiving or Decoding Signals to Receive Programs of the Subscription Broadcasting Business B.E. 2555 (2012) (ประกาศคณะกรรมการกิจการกระจายเสียง กิจการโทรทัศน์ และกิจการโทรคมนาคมแห่งชาติ เรื่อง หลักเกณฑ์และวิธีการอนุญาตให้ผลิต นำเข้า จำหน่ายหรือมีไว้เพื่อจำหน่ายหรือรับติดตั้ง เครื่องรับเครื่องมือหรืออุปกรณ์ที่สามารถใช้รับหรือแปลงสัญญาณในการรับรายการ ของกิจการกระจายเสียงหรือกิจการโทรทัศน์แบบบอกรับเป็นสมาชิก พ.ศ. ๒๕๕๕)
Notification of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission on Criteria and Procedures for Granting A Permit to Manufacture, Import, Sell, or Offer for Sale or Install Receiver, Apparatus or Device Enabled for Receiving or Decoding Signals to Receive Programs of the Subscription Broadcasting Business B.E. 2555 (2012) (ประกาศคณะกรรมการกิจการกระจายเสียง กิจการโทรทัศน์ และกิจการโทรคมนาคมแห่งชาติ เรื่อง หลักเกณฑ์และวิธีการอนุญาตให้ผลิต นำเข้า จำหน่ายหรือมีไว้เพื่อจำหน่ายหรือรับติดตั้ง เครื่องรับเครื่องมือหรืออุปกรณ์ที่สามารถใช้รับหรือแปลงสัญญาณในการรับรายการ ของกิจการกระจายเสียงหรือกิจการโทรทัศน์แบบบอกรับเป็นสมาชิก พ.ศ. ๒๕๕๕)
According to Section 6 of the Radio Communication Act, any persons who wish to import radio communication devices or any ancillary devices into the Kingdom are required to obtain a license. The telecommunications devices required to obtain a license include: radio modems, base stations, cellular repeaters, antennas, FM transmitters, and GPS tracking devices, among others. According to Section 9, the import license is valid for 180 days after issuance, and those who violate the law shall be liable to a fine, imprisonment, or both. The "Notification of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission on Criteria and Procedures for Granting A Permit to Manufacture, Import, Sell, or Offer for Sale or Install Receiver, Apparatus or Device Enabled for Receiving or Decoding Signals to Receive Programs of the Subscription Broadcasting Business B.E. 2555" includes the requirements that the importers must follow, including fee payment and document preparation.
Coverage Radiocommunication and telecommunications equipment
Sources
- https://www.mdes.go.th/law/detail/3601-%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%8A%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%8D%E0%B8%8D%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%B...
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241213200039/https://broadcast.nbtc.go.th/data/document/law/doc/th/561000000009.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240619093310/https://ccc.customs.go.th/data_files/1612210924301859439924.pdf
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THAILAND
Since April 2016
Pillar Quantitative trade restrictions for ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Other import restrictions, including non-transparent/discriminatory import procedures
Notification of the Ministry of Commerce regarding the 3D Printing Machines as a Product Subjected to Import Requirements, 2016 (ประกาศกระทรวงพาณิชย์ เรื่อง กำหนดให้เครื่องพิมพ์สามมิติเป็นสินค้าที่ต้องปฏิบัติตามมาตรการจัดระเบียบในการนำเข้าในราชอาณาจักร)
According to the Ministry of Commerce's Notification regarding 3D Printing Machines as a Product Subjected to Import Requirements 2016, importers of 3D printing machines must be registered with the Department of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Commerce. In addition, they are also required to notify the importation, possession, disposal, and balance of these products twice a year (in June and December). Moreover, the importers must report this information to the Customs Department.
Coverage 3D printing machines, rapid prototyping machines, and additive manufacturing machines (HS8477, 8479)
THAILAND
Reported in 2020, last reported in 2025
Pillar Quantitative trade restrictions for ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Other import restrictions, including non-transparent/discriminatory import procedures
Reported issues in import and customs transparency
It is reported that, with regard to trade in goods, concerns remain regarding transparency and the non-automatic licensing regimes in Thailand. In addition, the provision of incentives to customs officials for initiating investigations or enforcement actions has raised longstanding concerns among trading partners, given the risks of corruption and the costs, uncertainty, and lack of transparency associated with the customs penalty and reward system. As a result, conflicts of interest linked to personal incentives continue to be an issue.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260402182637/https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/world-trade-organization-wto/eu-statement-trade-policy-review-thailand-01-december-2025_en
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260312191557/https://ustr.gov/sites/default/files/files/Press/Reports/2025NTE.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240215170023/https://ustr.gov/sites/default/files/2020_National_Trade_Estimate_Report.pdf
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THAILAND
Since April 2019
Pillar Domestic data policies |
Indicator Requirement to allow the government to access personal data collected
National Intelligence Act, 2019 (พระราชบัญญัติข่าวกรองแห่งชาติ พ.ศ. 2562)
The National Intelligence Act 2019 gives the power to the National Intelligence Agency to perform duties related to activities on intelligence operations, civil security safeguards, and monitoring situations that affect national security (Section 4). Section 6 of the Act provides the National Intelligence Agency with the power to order public agencies or any person to submit the information or document that impacts national security within the specified period. If it is necessary to acquire the information, the agency is allowed to take action by adopting electronic, scientific, telecommunication devices, or other technology tools to obtain such information. Certain activities can be done without filing a motion to the court and are deemed in good faith for the public or national security.
Coverage Horizontal
THAILAND
Since December 1994, as amended in January 2015
Pillar Intermediary liability |
Indicator Safe harbour for intermediaries for copyright infringement
Copyright Act, 1994 (พระราชบัญญัติลิขสิทธิ์ พ.ศ. 2537)
The Copyright Act establishes a safe harbour regime for intermediaries for copyright infringements. Although Thailand has not signed the WIPO Copyright Treaty, in 2015, two copyright amendment laws were approved: the Copyright Act (No. 2) and Copyright Act (No. 3). These two laws implemented many of the key provisions of the WIPO Copyright Treaty. Copyright “safe harbour” protection for intermediaries such as cloud service providers is contained in the 2015 amendments to copyright laws. The provisions exempt Internet intermediaries from liability in broad circumstances provided that they did not control, initiate, or order the infringement. The intermediary is shielded from liability for content until they receive a court order ordering them to remove it.
Coverage Internet intermediaries
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20211007004951/http://web.krisdika.go.th/data/outsitedata/outsite21/file/COPYRIGHT_ACT_1994.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20211028035133/http://www.fio.co.th/south/law/8/85.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20220120042847/http://web.krisdika.go.th/data/outsitedata/outsite21/file/COPYRIGHTACT_(NO.2),_B.E._2558_(2015).pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230601124807/https://www.wipo.int/news/en/wipolex/2015/article_0006.html
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241129190233/https://www.ocs.go.th/?sysid=722356&ext=pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20200821221224/https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=e523b65f-e8f8-4138-80cc-56941b0740d2
- https://web.archive.org/web/20221108002407/https://ilaw.or.th/sites/default/files/Abuse%20of%20the%20Notice%20and%20Takedown%20Mechanism_0.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240401021632/https://www.lawplusltd.com/2018/02/draft-amendment-copyright-act-thailand/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230609021840/https://www.ilaw.or.th/node/4662
- https://web.archive.org/web/20220119060754/https://cloudscorecard.bsa.org/2018/pdf/country_reports/2018_Country_Report_Thailand.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240904092638/https://publixphere.net/i/noc/page/OI_Case_Study_Internet_Intermediary_Liability_in_Thailand
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THAILAND
Since June 2007, last amended in January 2017
Since July 2017
Since July 2017
Pillar Intermediary liability |
Indicator Safe harbour for intermediaries for any activity other than copyright infringement
Computer-Related Crime Act B.E. 2550 (พรบ. ว่าด้วยการกระทำความผิดทางคอมพิวเตอร์ พ.ศ. 2550)
Notification of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society regarding Procedures, Computer Data Dissemination and Transmission of the Computer Data, 2017
Notification of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society regarding Procedures, Computer Data Dissemination and Transmission of the Computer Data, 2017
The Computer-Related Crime Act and the Notification of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) establish a safe harbour regime for intermediaries beyond copyright infringement. According to Section 15 of the Computer-Related Crime Act, service providers are not liable of for for the content published if they remove computer data once it has received a notification from the Minister of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) to discontinue the dissemination of these. In addition, the Notification includes the 'Notice and Take Down' procedure to remove the offence's content and the intermediary's liability. This notification allows an individual to submit their notices of online offence to the police or competent officers. After the service provider receives the notification from the Ministry, the competent officer, or court order, they must remove or stop the dissemination of certain content immediately within the given period.
Coverage Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
THAILAND
Since June 2007, last amended in January 2017
Pillar Intermediary liability |
Indicator User identity requirement
Commission of Computer-Related Offences Act, 2007 (พรบ. ว่าด้วยการกระทำความผิดทางคอมพิวเตอร์ พ.ศ. 2550)
According to Art. 26 of the Commission of Computer-Related Offences Act (commonly known as the Computer Crimes Act or CCA), all service providers are required to record users' computer traffic data and store it for 90 days, with the possibility of extending the retention period up to a year if ordered by authorities. In 2019, it was reported that the Thai government requested all coffee shops or Internet cafè, including small operators, to retain traffic data of customers using their Wifi for 90 days and to provide that information upon request. This request includes keeping a 'log file' of customers' computer traffic data, including their IP address, full name, ID card number, or passport details. As defined in Art. 3 of the CCA, "Computer Traffic Data", encompasses information related to the communication of a computer system, such as the origin, source, terminal, route, time, date, size, duration, type of service, and other relevant communication details.
Coverage Services sector
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20220807220001/https://www.krisdika.go.th/librarian/get?sysid=766928&ext=pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231208081850/https://www.starbucks.co.th/online-policies/privacy-statement/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20221017054243/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/10/thai-cafes-forced-to-track-customers-wifi-use-sparking-free-speech-fears
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241202134821/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/concerns-raised-as-thai-govt-asks-all-coffee-shops-to-keep-data-of-customers-using-wifi
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THAILAND
Reported in 2021, last reported in 2025
Pillar Intermediary liability |
Indicator User identity requirement
Identity requirement for SIM cards
It is reported that Thailand’s approach to SIM registration requires mobile network operators to collect and validate users’ personal information and proof of identity, including the use of biometric checks.
Coverage Mobile network operators
