Thailand’s Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) is spearheading efforts to revolutionize the country’s gaming industry through a comprehensive draft bill. The proposed legislation, aimed at supervising and promoting the gaming sector, is expected to play a pivotal role in establishing Thailand as a regional gaming hub.

DEPA, along with other government authorities, such as the Ministry of Commerce, Revenue Department, Cybercrime Investigation Bureau, and Bank of Thailand, announced that the agency is in the process of drafting the bill, which is aimed to come into effect by 2025. The legislation is designed to address the rapid changes in the digital landscape, acknowledging that gaming has evolved beyond internet cafes to encompass various online platforms.

A key component of the draft bill is the registration of game entrepreneurs, developers, and platform providers operating in Thailand. This measure is intended to create a structured framework for the industry while offering benefits to registered entities. These benefits include tax deductions and other fiscal privileges aimed at fostering the development of the gaming sector and promoting employment opportunities.

Content regulation forms another crucial aspect of the proposed bill. DEPA plans to implement a game rating system and measures to prevent issues such as online gambling and excessive violence in games. To ensure effective supervision, the agency will collaborate with relevant authorities, including cybercrime units and digital payment agencies.

The draft bill also focuses on enhancing the competitiveness of Thai entrepreneurs in the global market. It aims to promote various aspects of game development, including storytelling, character design, animation production, and esports tournaments. This comprehensive approach is designed to attract foreign game developers and solidify Thailand’s position as a regional gaming hub.

To gather input from stakeholders, DEPA has scheduled public hearings on the draft bill for September 2024. Following these consultations, the bill will be presented to the Cabinet, the Office of the Council of State, and the House of Representatives for consideration and approval.

The proposed legislation represents a significant step towards creating a well-regulated gaming ecosystem in Thailand. By balancing supervision with promotion, the bill aims to foster a thriving gaming industry that adheres to local laws and societal standards while attracting investment and driving economic growth in the digital sector.

As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, this forward-thinking approach positions Thailand to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the global gaming market while ensuring a safe and regulated environment for consumers and industry players alike.

Key Takeaways:

1 The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) is drafting a bill to supervise and promote Thailand’s gaming industry.

2 The bill aims to establish Thailand as a regional gaming hub and is expected to come into effect by 2025.

3 Public hearings on the draft bill are scheduled for September 2024.

4 Key features include registration requirements, tax incentives, and content regulation measures.

5 Collaboration between various government agencies is planned to ensure comprehensive oversight.