Thailand moves closer to legal framework for online games

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Thailand is working on a new law, expected by the end of 2025, to oversee online and social games and help its gaming industry grow responsibly.

Thai legislators are working on a new law, the Game Industry Act, which will officially regulate online and social games by the end of 2025. This law aims to bring structure and legitimacy to Thailand’s quickly expanding gaming industry, despite recent decisions against legalizing casinos.

The Game Industry Act, proposed in March, seeks to establish a national body to oversee the gaming industry and clearly distinguish between casual games and online gambling. It would set legal boundaries for in-game features like prize draws and reward systems, and give authorities the power to block illegal games and ensure everyone follows the rules. The act also plans to create a tax system for game developers and operators.

Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, head of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), explained that the new law isn’t meant to hinder the gaming industry, but rather to create a fair and competitive environment while encouraging responsible gaming. DEPA created the bill with help from the Digital Economy and Society Ministry and the Ministry of Culture.

Nuttapon stated to the Bangkok Post that this move will help Thailand become more competitive in the worldwide gaming and esports industries.

A growing market

Thailand’s video game market is currently worth around 40 billion baht (about $1.23 billion), and experts predict it could reach 100 billion baht ($3.06 billion) in the next ten years, according to Nuttapon in a recent interview.

He explained that the gaming industry has huge possibilities, as games tie into many different areas like education, entertainment, and sports, while also showcasing the region’s unique culture.

Thailand’s social gaming market is growing, but it’s still relatively small. Experts believe that allowing casinos could dramatically increase revenue, potentially bringing in 308 trillion baht each year. This would make Thailand one of the biggest gaming markets globally, ranking third only behind Macau and Las Vegas.

Earlier this year, Thailand’s government gave initial approval to a plan that would have permitted the construction of five large entertainment complexes, each including a casino, throughout the country. The proposal was backed by then-Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who both believe in having rules for both in-person and online gambling.

Although many people opposed it, the bill was likely to be approved until July. However, it was put on hold after Paetongtarn’s handling of a disagreement with Cambodia caused problems. Then, in August, she was found guilty of unethical behavior and removed from office. Now, the new leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, has stated that legalizing casinos will not happen while he is in charge.

Thailand to lead ASEAN in game regulation

If enacted, Thailand’s Game Industry Act would be a first for Southeast Asia, establishing the country’s official rules for the video game industry. This would make Thailand the fourth nation in Asia to implement such regulations, following China, Japan, and South Korea.

Building on recent successes, the major gaming event Gamescom Asia 2025 will be held in Bangkok for the first time. It was previously held in Singapore and is known as the leading platform for both businesses and consumers in the Southeast Asian gaming industry.

Thailand’s recent laws are designed to make the country a major player in the growing digital entertainment industry in Asia.

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2025-10-09 12:41