A thriving, family-friendly gaming ecosystem is forming in Thailand as the government moves to formalize and bolster the industry through a dedicated Game Industry Act. The ongoing momentum from Thailand Game Show 2024, held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, underscores a national push to regulate, nurture, and internationalize digital gaming. With the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry coordinating policy and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) taking the lead on draft legislation in partnership with the Culture Ministry, Thailand is laying the groundwork for a comprehensive framework that addresses every facet of the digital game business and its services.
Thailand Game Show 2024 and the expanding gaming landscape
The Thailand Game Show 2024 brought together teams of competitive gamers and enthusiasts to celebrate the rapidly expanding gaming culture in the country. The event, hosted at a premier venue in Bangkok, showcased the vitality of local talent and highlighted the increasing size and diversity of the gaming community. This gathering served as a practical demonstration of why the government is keen to formalize the sector’s development through robust policy measures. The show’s presence at a major convention center underscored the strategic importance of gaming as both a cultural and economic activity, attracting attention from developers, educators, investors, and policymakers alike.
Across the gaming landscape, digital games are now accessible across a broad array of devices and platforms. This ubiquity reflects a global trend toward multi-device engagement, where players move seamlessly between consoles, PCs, tablets, and mobile devices. The Thai gaming ecosystem is poised to leverage this cross-platform reality, enabling developers to reach wider audiences and enabling players to enjoy richer, more immersive experiences. The growing accessibility also increases the potential for educational and entertainment applications, as well as opportunities for esports, content creation, and digital services that support gamers in diverse ways. In this context, the government’s focus on a dedicated regulatory framework aims to ensure that innovation can flourish while safeguarding public interests and encouraging responsible use.
The theme of balancing growth with protection runs through the discussions around the forthcoming Act. State agencies, led by the DES Ministry, have repeatedly indicated that online gaming content can include elements that resemble gambling activities. This reality necessitates a carefully calibrated regulatory approach that sets clear conditions for registration, supervision, and ongoing oversight. The aim is not to stifle creativity or market dynamism but to establish a stable operating environment where developers, distributors, and service providers can innovate with confidence, knowing the rules are transparent and consistently applied. The DES Ministry emphasizes that the scope of games extends beyond conventional categories such as internet cafes, films, or traditional online platforms, and covers both iOS and Android ecosystems. The expansive framing of the category reflects a forward-looking understanding of how digital games intersect with technology, culture, and economics.
This broader perspective aligns with the government’s ambition to use policy as a lever for growth. The DES Ministry contends that the gaming market is already a significant contributor to the economy, with current valuations estimated at 30–40 billion baht. The ministry argues that a clear, enabling framework will help regulate and promote the ecosystem while laying the groundwork for a future digital services tax framework. In other words, the Bill is envisaged not only as a regulatory instrument but also as a catalyst for structured growth, international competitiveness, and fiscal planning that can support public services and investment in innovation. By clarifying definitions and responsibilities, the Act aims to prevent fragmentation across agencies and ensure consistent enforcement as the sector evolves.
The government’s forward-looking stance extends to recognizing gaming as a creative sector with global economic relevance. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, the president of depa, has highlighted the sector’s potential to become a cornerstone of Thailand’s digital economy. He has pointed to the expected growth trajectory, projecting that the local game industry could reach 100 billion baht within the next decade. In his view, game exports already contribute substantially, valued at around 800 million baht per year, while the trade balance reflects a deficit driven by import costs. He emphasizes that the industry’s opportunities extend beyond pure entertainment, spanning education, sports, and cultural sectors, all of which can benefit from the cross-pollination enabled by gaming.
A clear, well-defined policy framework is seen as essential to regulating and promoting the gaming ecosystem while also paving the way for a digital services tax framework in the future. This linkage to broader fiscal and regulatory structures underscores the government’s intent to ensure that the growth of gaming remains sustainable and aligned with national development priorities. The DES Ministry envisions a bill that provides not only economic stimulus but also social safeguards, ensuring that positive uses of gaming are encouraged while potential negative consequences are mitigated through thoughtful policy design and effective enforcement.
The conversation surrounding the law also reflects a broader aspiration: to position Thailand as a regional hub for gaming in Southeast Asia. The ministry highlights the sector’s ability to attract investment, talent, and collaboration across borders, combining local capabilities with international expertise. As policy makers articulate the law’s goals, there is a continued emphasis on balancing the drive for growth with protections for young people, addressing mental health considerations, and maintaining a responsible gaming culture that aligns with social values and public welfare.
The Game Industry Act: rationale, objectives, and scope
The proposed Game Industry Act represents a strategic attempt to create a comprehensive regulatory and developmental framework for the entire digital game value chain. The DES Ministry has entrusted depa with drafting the law, in collaboration with the Culture Ministry, to ensure the new policy encompasses all dimensions of the digital game business and its services. The aim is to establish a robust structure that can guide development while addressing concerns about online gaming content and its potential social impact. The bill’s overarching objective is to define the regulatory perimeter clearly, set forth a registration framework, and introduce mechanisms for supervision and promotion.
The new Act responds to several pressing considerations. First, it seeks to manage online gaming content that could overlap with gambling activities, a concern repeatedly voiced by government agencies. By defining regulatory conditions and instituting a registration system, the law intends to achieve a synchronized approach that fosters a balanced ecosystem—one that supports innovation and industry growth while ensuring safeguards against risks to individuals and society. The ministry underscores that the scope of gaming is broad and evolving, and the Act must be adaptable enough to keep pace with rapid technological advances and changing consumer behaviors, including the proliferation of mobile games and cross-platform experiences.
Second, the Act is designed to advance economic growth by formalizing a sector that already demonstrates substantial potential. With the gaming sector valued at tens of billions of baht and a clear ambition to reach higher levels of output and export performance, the law aims to provide the infrastructure for sustainable development. It recognizes that gaming intersects with education, entertainment, sports, and cultural activities, creating opportunities for job creation, skill development, and international collaboration. The law is also seen as a vehicle to facilitate investment by clarifying regulatory expectations and reducing uncertainty for Thai and foreign participants in the market.
Third, the Act seeks to balance industry promotion with social protections. The government emphasizes the importance of protecting young users and mitigating mental health risks, an area where policy design can benefit from clear standards and oversight. The law is anticipated to introduce guidelines and best practices that promote responsible gaming and reduce exposure to harmful content or practices. In addition, the Act envisions a framework for eventual digital services taxation, aligning gaming regulation with broader fiscal policy and national revenue objectives.
The scope of the Bill extends across multiple facets of the gaming ecosystem. It is meant to address not only the commercial and regulatory aspects but also human resource development and entrepreneurship. In particular, the Act seeks to support Thai game developers, manufacturers, distributors, and platform providers who contribute to the value chain, ensuring that Thai talent can compete in a global market. The law’s design also contemplates collaboration among government agencies to ensure coherence with other regulatory initiatives, such as those governing online gambling, which are being prepared by the Interior Ministry.
The draft legislation envisions five core pillars to anchor the regulatory and developmental architecture. These pillars—enhanced definition of what constitutes a game, establishment of a dedicated coordinating body, a registration regime, supervision mechanisms, and a promotion fund—form the backbone of a comprehensive policy framework. Each pillar is designed to address specific needs of the sector while ensuring alignment with national development goals, social safeguards, and international standards. The ultimate intent is to create an enabling, transparent environment that fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange within the gaming landscape.
The role of depa as the coordinating agency is central to the Act’s implementation. By coordinating with the Culture Ministry and other relevant agencies, depa aims to establish processes for enforcement, including registering online game service providers, implementing a game ratings system aligned with international benchmarks, and coordinating with agencies to ensure consistency with related laws. The Interior Ministry’s ongoing work on online gambling regulation will intersect with these efforts, and the plan is to harmonize approaches to ensure a coherent regulatory regime. The collaboration seeks to reduce redundancy, avoid conflicts, and create a unified framework that supports compliance, market confidence, and cross-border cooperation.
The promotion fund, a key element of the Act, is designed to mobilize resources for industry development and value creation across the gaming supply chain. The anticipated funding streams include an allocation of 500 million baht per year from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) fund and another 500 million baht per year from the Revenue Department. The fund is expected to be managed by the Game Promotion Institute, an entity established under depa, to oversee investment in programs and initiatives that advance the sector. This financial mechanism is intended to support a broad spectrum of activities, from training and capacity building to content creation and international marketing, all aimed at strengthening Thailand’s competitive position in the global gaming market.
An important nuance in the Act’s design is its intended relationship with existing legal frameworks. The Ministry states clearly that the draft law would not override current laws but would enhance their effectiveness and complement existing regulatory structures. The objective is to create synergy among laws that govern digital services, entertainment, consumer protections, and intellectual property, enabling new rules to function more effectively and coherently. In this sense, the Act is conceived as a modernization instrument that helps align regulations with a rapidly evolving digital economy, while preserving the integrity of established legal provisions.
Key components: five facets of the proposed law
The bill outlines five critical facets that collectively create a comprehensive governance framework for the gaming sector. Each facet contributes to a more predictable and supportive environment for developers, service providers, and consumers. The first facet focuses on refining and expanding the definition of what comprises a game. This includes clarifying scope to capture emergent formats, genres, and platforms, ensuring that policy coverage remains relevant as technology and consumer behavior evolve. A precise definition helps prevent regulatory gaps that could undermine enforcement, consumer protection, and market integrity.
The second facet involves establishing a related committee or coordinating body that brings together stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and civil society. The committee’s role is to monitor industry developments, provide feedback on regulatory proposals, and ensure that the policy remains responsive to real-world conditions. By incorporating diverse perspectives, the law can reflect best practices, anticipate emerging challenges, and reflect Thailand’s economic and cultural priorities. This collaborative approach is intended to accelerate the adoption and effectiveness of the policy as the sector scales.
The third facet centers on registration. The Act envisions a formal registration regime for all participants along the value chain, including game entrepreneurs, manufacturers, developers, distributors, and platform providers or entities offering related products or services. The registration is designed to improve efficiency, traceability, and compliance, while enabling authorities to maintain an up-to-date overview of market players. Registration can also enable targeted support, export promotion, and incentive programs that align with national development priorities. It is a foundational measure for a transparent, accountable industry that can participate fully in international markets.
Supervision constitutes the fourth facet. This includes establishing standards, criteria, and methodologies for regulatory oversight and enforcement, ensuring that the sector operates in a way that safeguards consumers, children, and society at large. The supervision framework will help authorities identify and address issues such as misleading content, exploitation, and potential risks linked to monetization models or exposure to harmful material. A robust supervisory system supports trust in Thai gaming, enhances consumer protection, and provides a clear compliance pathway for businesses.
The fifth facet concerns a promotion fund designed to funnel capital into strategic industry development. By channeling financial resources into capacity building, research and development, content creation, and international outreach, the fund aims to elevate the quality and competitiveness of Thai games. The fund’s operations are envisioned to support a broad ecosystem—from content design and character creation to animation, game content integration, and esports organization—thus encouraging Thai entrepreneurs to compete on the global stage. This fund is intended to nurture talent, encourage investment, and stimulate cross-border collaboration that can position Thailand as a regional gaming hub.
Enforcement, enforcement readiness, and inter-agency coordination
A central feature of the Act is its emphasis on enforcement readiness and cross-agency coordination to ensure that regulatory objectives are achieved consistently. Depa is tasked with coordinating enforcement processes, including registering online game service providers and establishing a game ratings system aligned with international standards. The design acknowledges that a cohesive approach requires alignment with other laws already in development, notably the Interior Ministry’s ongoing work on online gambling regulation. The goal is to minimize regulatory fragmentation, create a consistent set of expectations across the sector, and accelerate the path to compliance for businesses operating in the Thai market.
The government recognizes that enforcement cannot be effective without strong collaboration with education, industry, and civil society. To this end, depa intends to conduct multi-stakeholder dialogues, unified oversight mechanisms, and regular coordination meetings to ensure that enforcement remains practical, fair, and adaptable as market conditions shift. The plan also includes streamlined processes to ensure that new rules are implemented smoothly without imposing unnecessary burdens on legitimate actors who are contributing to the sector’s growth. The governance architecture aims to be transparent, predictable, and responsive, helping to sustain investor confidence and public trust.
In terms of standard-setting, the law envisions establishing clear criteria for game ratings that align with international norms. This aspect supports a safer environment for players, particularly younger users, by enabling consumers to make informed choices and by guiding developers toward responsible design practices. The alignment with international standards is intended to facilitate cross-border distribution and cooperation, while also providing Thai developers with a credible framework as they engage with global partners. This international alignment is a strategic element that bolsters Thailand’s reputation as a cooperative, forward-looking gaming hub.
The relationship between the Game Industry Act and other laws is designed to be constructive, not duplicative. The law is presented as a complementary measure that enhances the effectiveness of existing regulations and enables new rules to function more cohesively. This approach reduces the risk of regulatory conflict and ensures that policies across digital services, consumer protection, taxation, and intellectual property work in harmony. The consequence is a more stable operating environment for developers and service providers, which in turn supports sustainable investment and long-term growth.
Registration, standards, and the value chain
A core objective of the Act is to elevate the Thai game industry’s efficiency, competitiveness, and alignment with international standards. The registration framework is a critical step in achieving this goal, as it provides a structured registry of players across the entire value chain. This transparency is expected to improve regulatory oversight, enable more precise data collection, and support targeted policy interventions designed to strengthen the sector’s capacity. Registration helps ensure that all stakeholders—game entrepreneurs, manufacturers, developers, distributors, and platform providers—are accounted for within a coherent regulatory perimeter. For businesses, registration promises clearer expectations and a credible pathway to participate in national and international markets.
Standard-setting is the other side of the registration coin. The law envisions the development of formal standards, criteria, and methodologies for regulating and supervising the game industry. These standards will help ensure consistent quality, safety, and ethical practices across products and services. A standardized approach also makes it easier for regulators to assess compliance and for businesses to plan timelines, budgets, and development roadmaps. By codifying these benchmarks, Thailand enhances its ability to evaluate products, mitigate risks, and guarantee a baseline level of consumer protection.
Beyond governance, the Act places emphasis on fostering the entire supply chain’s growth, from concept through to monetization. The promotion fund is a mechanism designed to unlock value across the chain by supporting content design, character creation, animation production, game integration, and esports event organization. The broader aim is to attract foreign developers and investment, thereby broadening collaboration opportunities and expanding the market reach for Thai innovations. A well-supported value chain creates jobs, increases export potential, and enriches the country’s cultural and creative industries. This holistic approach aligns with national development objectives and signals Thailand’s readiness to be a regional leader in gaming.
The role of Game Promotion Institute, established under depa, is central to operationalizing the fund. This entity will manage the allocation of resources, oversee program implementation, monitor outcomes, and report on impact. By having a dedicated institution responsible for fund administration, the government can ensure accountability and strategic focus, while maintaining flexibility to adapt to evolving industry needs. The governance model will ideally include transparent governance, performance metrics, and regular stakeholder input to ensure that investments meaningfully contribute to sector growth, workforce development, and international competitiveness.
The law also contemplates tax and fiscal incentives as a mechanism to accelerate industry development. As registration expands across the sector, eligible participants may benefit from tax deductions and other tax supports that encourage investment in the development of the gaming industry and in training digital workers. Such incentives are designed to lower the cost of growth for Thai companies and to promote job creation in digital skills—an important consideration as the country seeks to elevate its human capital in a rapidly digitalizing economy. In addition, the law’s framework aims to create a favorable environment for Thai operators to compete in international markets, thereby increasing export opportunities and diversifying revenue streams for the sector.
Status, process, and private-sector input
The bill has recently advanced through a public hearing that brought together representatives from the private sector and educational institutions. The discussions underscored the critical importance of manpower in the gaming sector. Participants proposed expanding the bill to explicitly include manpower development as a pillar of the policy and recommended the inclusion of representatives from the private sector, education, and gaming executives on the committee charged with overseeing the policy. Such changes would help the committee stay attuned to the latest industry developments, technology trends, and workforce needs, enabling it to respond quickly and accurately to emerging issues.
DES Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong stated that the input gathered during the hearing would be integrated with the outcomes of four rounds of brainstorming sessions conducted with government agencies and the private sector. This process reflects a broad consultative approach intended to build consensus and shape a robust final formulation. Depa’s leadership explained that input from all sectors would be incorporated to accelerate the refinement of the draft law, ensuring alignment with practical realities and stakeholder expectations. The aim is to produce a policy that is both effective and implementable, with clear timelines and measurable milestones.
The parliamentary process added a dimension of urgency, with the subcommittee on accelerating urgent legislation requesting depa to clarify the law’s process. Depa clarified that the measure is not an emergency, but a necessary mechanism to address supervisory gaps and to prevent problems stemming from illegal activities and gambling. The private sector also expressed a desire for a robust legal framework that can foster new industries and elevate Thailand’s game exports value. This sentiment reflects a strategic objective to leverage the law for broader economic diversification and international competitiveness while maintaining safeguards and regulatory integrity.
Looking ahead, depa expects to present the Bill to the DES Ministry for onward transmission to the cabinet within 60 days for consideration and approval. If approved, the government envisions the law becoming effective by year-end or within 2026. This timeline illustrates a determined path toward formal adoption, with several administrative steps anticipated to ensure a smooth transition from policy discussions to legal enactment and practical implementation. The timeline reflects a balance between due diligence, stakeholder engagement, and the urgency of creating a stable framework to support sector growth and investment.
Economic signals, incentives, and export potential
A central expectation surrounding the Game Industry Act is that broad registration will unlock a range of benefits for participants and the market as a whole. As more players enter the formal system, the government anticipates that tax advantages will be extended to cover activities supporting the development of the gaming industry and the training of digital workers. The visibility created by registration can also enable targeted incentives, tax relief, and other fiscal supports designed to spur investment and build a robust domestic workforce with high-level digital capabilities. Such incentives are not merely financial; they also signal a preference for long-term commitment to the sector’s growth and resilience, encouraging companies to scale and invest in people, processes, and infrastructure.
The law also places importance on game ratings as a regulatory tool to mitigate social risks associated with gaming, including online gambling exposure and violence. By embedding ratings within the regulatory framework, policymakers aim to guide parental and consumer choices and encourage responsible development practices among creators. The ratings system serves as both a consumer protection mechanism and a market signal for quality and safety, contributing to a healthier, more sustainable gaming culture in Thailand.
Promotion of Thai entrepreneurship is another strategic objective of the Act. By encouraging investment across the entire supply chain—from content design and character development to animation and the integration of content into games—Thailand intends to attract foreign developers and investment, boosting cross-border collaboration and knowledge transfer. The goal is to transform Thailand into a regional gaming hub that serves as a magnet for international talent, partnerships, and capital. A well-designed promotional framework that links content creation to esports and international events can significantly expand the country’s footprint in the Southeast Asian gaming economy.
The promotion fund’s role in supporting the entire ecosystem is particularly noteworthy. By providing financial backing for activities across the value chain, the fund aims to strengthen Thailand’s competitiveness and resilience in a rapidly changing market. This includes supporting education and training programs to grow workforce capabilities, financing innovation in content and technology, and facilitating international outreach that helps Thai developers reach new audiences and markets. The long-term objective is to create a robust national pipeline of talent and projects, enabling Thai companies to compete on equal footing with regional and global players.
In terms of governance, the law’s framework seeks to harmonize with existing laws while enabling new policy tools to function more effectively. The emphasis on coordination and alignment underscores the government’s commitment to a coherent regulatory environment that can adapt to evolving digital technologies and market dynamics. The envisaged outcome is a more stable regulatory backdrop that improves investor confidence, supports sustainable growth, and sustains Thailand’s competitive edge in the dynamic world of digital gaming.
Public reception, expectations, and the path forward
Stakeholders anticipate that the Bill’s passage will yield tangible benefits for the Thai gaming industry. From the perspective of developers, manufacturers, distributors, and platform operators, the legislation represents a credible pathway to formal recognition, regulated operation, and enhanced international standing. The prospect of tax incentives and formal recognition through registration is seen as a valuable support for capability-building initiatives and workforce development, helping Thai firms to scale and compete more effectively on global stages. The prospect of a formal promotion framework that channels funds into training, content quality, and international outreach is viewed as a critical accelerator for the sector’s growth and sophistication.
Education sector participants express optimism that the law will create closer alignment between academic programs and industry needs. A robust regulatory framework could encourage collaboration between universities, technical colleges, and industry players to design curricula and training programs that build job-ready talent. In parallel, private sector representatives emphasize the importance of maintaining a dynamic, industry-informed policy environment that can adapt to rapid changes in technology, consumer behavior, and global market conditions. The sentiment is that the Law should not become a static constraint but a living framework that evolves with the sector.
The DES Ministry and depa remain committed to a transparent, evidence-based approach to policy development. The plan is to proceed with cabinet submission within the 60-day window, after incorporating feedback from stakeholders and refining the regulatory architecture. The government recognizes that success depends on practical enforcement, clear standards, consistent interpretation across agencies, and strong collaboration with industry and civil society. If enacted, the Game Industry Act would mark a pivotal milestone in Thailand’s digital economy, signaling to investors, developers, and consumers that the country is ready to embrace innovative, culturally resonant gaming experiences within a responsible, well-governed ecosystem.
Visualizing the impact: what the Act could mean in practice
In practice, the Act would create a more predictable environment for game developers and service providers, reducing regulatory ambiguity and enabling more strategic planning. Companies could rely on defined licensing and registration requirements, transparent ratings, and consistent enforcement, which together would lower risk and support investment. A standardized regulatory framework could also simplify cross-border collaborations, enabling Thai studios to partner with international brands, publishers, and platforms on a level playing field.
For consumers, the impact could include safer game experiences, clearer information about content suitability, and greater access to high-quality Thai-made games and experiences. The promotion fund’s role could translate into better training programs, more diverse content, and more opportunities to participate in esports events that showcase national talent. The broader economy could benefit from job creation in digital sectors, increased export potential for Thai games, and stronger links between culture and technology that enrich Thailand’s creative industries.
Investors and entrepreneurs may also perceive the policy as a signal of Thailand’s commitment to long-term, stable growth in the digital economy. A well-structured framework can provide confidence that the market is regulated, fair, and aligned with international best practices. The presence of a formalized promotion mechanism, coupled with a clear pathway for industry participants to register and operate within a defined regulatory perimeter, positions Thailand as a competitive destination for gaming ventures in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Conclusion
The Thailand Game Show 2024 and the government’s push toward enacting a comprehensive Game Industry Act reflect a deliberate strategy to harness the growth, creativity, and economic potential of digital gaming. By engaging the DES Ministry, depa, and the Culture Ministry in a collaborative process, Thailand is seeking to define a modern regulatory and developmental framework that can support innovation while protecting public interests. The Act centers on five key pillars: precise gaming definitions, a dedicated coordinating body, a robust registration regime, effective supervision, and a substantial promotion fund designed to harness the sector’s value across the entire supply chain. Through these elements, Thailand aims to strengthen its position as a regional gaming hub, attract international investment, develop human capital with advanced digital skills, and create a vibrant ecosystem where education, entertainment, and culture intersect with technology.
The path forward involves continued stakeholder engagement, refinement of the policy, and a measured, transparent approach to implementation. If the bill passes within the planned 60-day window and becomes effective by year-end or 2026, Thailand could witness meaningful gains in industry growth, export capacity, and social safeguards that promote responsible gaming. The overarching vision is one of a dynamic, inclusive, and globally competitive gaming economy that supports diverse creative talents, fosters international collaboration, and reinforces Thailand’s leadership in Southeast Asia’s digital future.