Thailand Advances First Gaming Law to Regulate Gambling-Like Features

Thailand stands to pioneer gaming oversight in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) with its proposed Promotion of the Game Industry Act. This law targets unregulated “hidden gambling” mechanics like loot boxes, prize-linked point systems, and randomized rewards.

The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) spearheads this legislative effort, seeking transparency protocols and consumer safeguards while preserving developer creativity. There isn’t dedicated oversight at the moment, allowing these chance-based models to operate without accountability. The bill has secured backing from the Comptroller General’s Department and telecommunications regulators. It now awaits Cabinet review before parliamentary deliberation.

Three-Tier Oversight

If passed, the Game Industry Act will equip Thailand’s Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau with enforcement powers to shut down unregistered gaming operations. It will also conduct compliance audits checking safety protocols, fairness, and transparency. Central to the legislation is a three-tier governance structure:

• Registration Committee: Mandated to vet gaming operators and maintain legal adherence through licensing frameworks.
• Regulatory/Inspection Committee: Jointly overseen by cyber and provincial police to monitor live services and enforce standards.
• Industry Promotion Committee: Tasked with balancing growth initiatives with regulatory demands to ensure the sector continues to evolve.

This structure is designed to minimize bureaucratic overlap and encourage coordination across security enforcement, economic strategy, and developmental oversight. Their parallel operations aim to create what DEPA describes as “complementary checks”. These consumer protections, paired with necessary infrastructure support, will help Thailand achieve its US$450 million gaming market ambitions.

Aligning With Global Standards

Thailand’s regulatory push positions its gaming sector alongside Asian leaders like China, Japan, and South Korea through standardized compliance. DEPA CEO Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin emphasizes the legislation’s intention to regulate the gaming market through structured oversight rather than restrict innovation. The law aims to foster investor trust and promote export-ready games.

Analysts note the structured approach could enable Thai developers to use government-backed certifications when competing internationally. Local reports indicate an anticipated 30% export growth surge within three years as global publishers increasingly recognize Thailand’s focus on creative freedom and its audited fairness protocols.

Gamescom Asia

Thailand’s gaming legislation rollout aligns with its inaugural hosting of Gamescom Asia 2025 from October 16 to 19 in Bangkok. This will be the event’s first Southeast Asian edition since relocating from Singapore. DEPA plans to capitalize on this global platform to showcase regulatory advancements and market potential to 15,000+ anticipated attendees. The new act aims to secure parliamentary approval within four months.