Thailand Moves Forward With First Gaming Law in ASEAN

Thailand is preparing to enact its first dedicated gaming law, aiming to become the pioneering ASEAN nation to regulate the digital gaming space. The proposed Promotion of the Game Industry Actis designed to tackle “hidden gambling” practices—such as loot boxes, randomized prize systems, and point-based reward mechanisms—that are currently unregulated under Thai law.

With no designated oversight body currently in place to monitor these elements, the legislation fills a critical gap by establishing clear authority and regulatory processes. The bill is now awaiting Cabinet review, following endorsement by the Comptroller General’s Department and financial backing from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).

A Three-Tiered Oversight Framework

If the law passes, the Game Industry Promotion Act will grant the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau the power to immediately suspend any unregistered games and conduct audits to enforce compliance with new standards focused on safety, transparency, and fairness.

To ensure comprehensive and balanced oversight, the legislation mandates the formation of three specialized committees:

• The Registration Committee will oversee the licensing and legal compliance of game operators.
• The Regulatory and Inspection Committee, led by both Cyber Police and Provincial Police, will monitor ongoing game activity and enforce the rules.
• The Game Industry Promotion Committee will focus on fostering sustainable industry growth and supporting developers.

These bodies are designed to operate independently, ensuring minimal overlap while maintaining equilibrium between economic development, consumer protection, and regulatory enforcement.

Strengthening Global Position and Industry Standards

By implementing this law, Thailand seeks to align its gaming industry with international benchmarks already followed by global leaders like China, South Korea, and Japan. Once in place, the act will establish a structured framework that encourages both domestic confidence and international expansion for Thai developers.

According to Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President and CEO of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), the purpose of the law is not to hinder innovation but to ensure a fair and transparent market. “Regulate the game market,” he explained, is the key goal—“to ensure fairness and sustainability.”

Nuttapon also emphasized DEPA’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders across public and private sectors to shape legislation that supports growth without restricting creativity or competition.

Timed With Global Gaming Event in Bangkok

The proposed law’s timing coincides with Gamescom Asia 2025, which Thailand will host for the first time after the event’s move from Singapore. Scheduled to take place from October 16 to 19, 2025, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, the event is expected to attract global attention.

DEPA and its partners see Gamescom Asia as a pivotal opportunity to demonstrate Thailand’s readiness to become a major player in Asia’s gaming ecosystem. By combining legislative reform with a high-profile global event, the country aims to position itself as a trusted and competitive hub for game development and investment.

Should the law pass within the anticipated four-month window, Thailand would not only establish clear protections for consumers against predatory game mechanics but also provide long-term structural support for developers to thrive in both local and international markets.

Source:

“Thailand Advances Landmark Gaming Legislation to Regulate 'Hidden Gambling'”, worldcasinodirectory.com, October 7, 2025