The draft of the "Game Industry Act" is scheduled to be submitted for cabinet review after the public hearing next month. The act is expected to be implemented by the end of 2025.
Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, the chairman and CEO of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), stated that the law aims to address the development issues of the computer game industry, which is worth 40 billion Thai Baht annually.
Moreover, the act also aims to establish Thailand as the gaming hub of Southeast Asia. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) has commissioned DEPA to draft the bill in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture.
The proposed legislation aims to cover various aspects of the gaming industry, including services across different devices and platforms. Nuttapon mentioned that the DES plans to submit the draft to the cabinet in February, and DEPA will coordinate with relevant agencies to facilitate the implementation of the law. He emphasized that the agency must ensure that this law is consistent with other drafts, such as the Ministry of Interior's regulations on online gambling.
"This law will not replace other laws, but will strengthen existing laws and combine with new legislation," he said.
DES Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong emphasized that the gaming industry is a crucial creative industry in the global economy. He noted that the draft outlines a framework for developing various aspects of the gaming industry, including supporting Thai gaming entrepreneurs, establishing guidelines to prevent social impacts, and attracting investments from international entrepreneurs.
"This law lays the foundation for the gaming industry to enhance Thailand's competitiveness internationally, expand employment opportunities, and continuously generate revenue for the economy," he added.
He further stated that the law is expected to encourage entrepreneurs, manufacturers, developers, distributors, and platform providers to register. Prasert pointed out that the draft will establish standards, guidelines, and methods for regulating and controlling the gaming industry, thereby achieving effective supervision and enforcement.
According to reports, in addition to economic growth, the draft also focuses on balancing industry promotion with social protection, especially protecting the youth, preventing mental impacts, and creating a positive environment for the gaming industry.
