Thailand is moving closer to adopting its first comprehensive law dedicated to the regulation of online and digital games. The proposed Game Industry Act, drafted earlier this year, aims to set clear boundaries between gaming and gambling, while providing an official regulatory and tax framework for the sector. Lawmakers expect the measure could pass before the end of 2025, marking a significant shift in the country’s approach to gaming oversight.
Regulatory Framework and Enforcement Powers
The Game Industry Act would establish a dedicated regulator tasked with registering games, monitoring compliance, and ensuring industry safety standards are met. Authorities would be granted the power to block unregistered titles and intervene in cases where games fail to meet legal or consumer protection standards. Provisions also address specific mechanics—such as lucky draws and points-based reward systems—that risk resembling gambling, ensuring they remain within acceptable limits.
Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, president of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), emphasized that the law is designed to foster market growth rather than restrict it. “The law is not a barrier, but rather a mechanism to regulate the gaming market to ensure fairness and facilitate free and responsible market competition,” he stated. Depa, working alongside the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) and the Ministry of Culture, played a leading role in drafting the bill.
The act includes five central elements: updating game definitions, forming committees to oversee regulation and promotion, implementing registration systems, establishing supervision by cyber and provincial police, and creating an industry fund. Once in place, three separate committees would manage registration, monitoring, and industry development, helping prevent overlapping responsibilities.
Growth Potential and Global Competitiveness
Thailand’s gaming industry has grown into a major contributor to the economy, valued at between 30 and 40 billion baht annually—roughly US$1.23 billion. According to Nuttapon, the market could expand to as much as 100 billion baht within the next decade. “This industry has a lot of opportunities,” he noted, highlighting its links with education, entertainment, sports, and cultural activities across Asia.
Government agencies, including the Comptroller-General’s Department and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, have already signaled support, allocating funding to strengthen the sector once the law takes effect. Proponents believe the new framework could enhance Thailand’s competitiveness, particularly in esports, where the country seeks to become a regional leader.
Casino Legislation Shelved, Focus Shifts to Digital Games
The progress of the Game Industry Act comes against the backdrop of Thailand’s decision to suspend a controversial push to legalize integrated casino resorts. Earlier this year, the cabinet had approved a draft of the Entertainment Complex Bill, which proposed five casinos nationwide. Despite momentum, political scandals involving former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra derailed the initiative. Following her impeachment, her successor Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed that casino legislation would not be revisited under his leadership.
Analysts note that while the casino industry could have positioned Thailand as one of the world’s largest gaming markets—with potential gross gaming revenues estimated at 308 trillion baht annually—the government is now focusing its energy on regulating digital and social games instead.
Thailand as a Regional Gaming Hub
If passed, the Game Industry Act would make Thailand the first ASEAN country to enact such a law and the fourth in Asia, joining China, Japan, and South Korea. This development is expected to strengthen investor confidence and support Thailand’s ambitions to position itself as a gaming hub for the region.
The international spotlight will soon turn to Bangkok, as Gamescom Asia 2025 prepares to host its first edition in the Thai capital from October 16–19. The event, organized by depa and partners, was previously held in Singapore. Nuttapon underscored its importance, saying Gamescom provides “an important opportunity to demonstrate Thailand’s position as a leader in the gaming industry in Asia.” He added that the timing of the event alongside the potential passage of the Game Industry Act could significantly boost the country’s global profile.
Source:
Depa eagerly awaits Game Industry Act, bangkokpost.com, October 6, 2025.
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