The Thai government is about to introduce the draft of the "Promotion of the Game Industry Act," aiming to implement comprehensive regulation across the national video game industry. This bill is Thailand's first central legal framework targeting the gaming field, focusing on rectifying mechanisms in games such as loot boxes, random rewards, and virtual prize pools, which are considered to have gambling-like properties. The bill has been approved by the National Audit Office and funded by the Broadcasting and Television Committee, and is about to be submitted to the cabinet for review. If passed, Thailand will become the first ASEAN country with independent game legislation, authorizing the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau to suspend unregistered games and audit operators, aiming to regulate the market and promote the international development of local game developers.
Overview of the Bill and Regulatory Focus
The Thai government is drafting the "Promotion of the Game Industry Act," which is the country's first central legal framework for the electronic gaming industry. The bill aims to implement comprehensive regulation across the national gaming industry, with a focus on potentially gambling-like mechanisms in games.
The regulatory focus includes loot box systems, random reward distribution, and virtual prize pools, which are considered to have "gambling-inducing" characteristics and are believed to potentially harm players, especially adolescents.
Legislative Process and Institutional Support
The bill has been approved by the National Audit Office of Thailand and supported by funding from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). The bill is about to be submitted to the cabinet for review and is expected to enter the next stage of the legislative process.
Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, chairman of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (Depa), revealed that the preparation of the bill has been underway for over a year, involving consultations and research with multiple stakeholders.
Enforcement Agencies and Regulatory Measures
Once the bill is passed, the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) will be authorized to enforce the new regulations. The agency will have the authority to suspend all unregistered game operations and audit game operators to ensure business transparency and compliance with safety regulations.
The bill also plans to establish three dedicated committees responsible for game registration, industry regulation, and industry promotion, forming a comprehensive regulatory and enforcement system.
Legislative Goals and Industry Impact
The government emphasizes that the bill is not intended to suppress industry competition but to establish a fair and sustainable market environment. Additionally, the bill aims to support Thai local game developers in stepping onto the international stage and enhancing the global competitiveness of the national game industry.
Once the bill is passed, game operators will need to adjust existing mechanisms to ensure compliance with the new regulations, especially those involving random rewards and virtual item transactions.
International Status and Regional Comparison
If the bill officially takes effect, Thailand will become the first ASEAN country with independent game legislation. In Asia, Thailand will be the fourth country to enact specific game laws, following China, Japan, and South Korea.
This move reflects Thailand's advanced attitude towards digital content regulation and may provide legislative references for other Southeast Asian countries.
Social Background and Problem Response
The introduction of the bill is a direct response to Thailand's online gambling issues. In recent years, many mobile games, esports, and virtual lottery games have been accused of containing gambling mechanisms, leading to addiction in recharging among adolescents, causing debt and family problems.
The new legislation aims to address these social issues, protect players, especially minors, from potential harm, and maintain family and social stability.
Industry Background and Recent Dynamics
At the time the bill was proposed, Thailand was preparing to host the "Gamescom Asia 2025" for the first time, taking over the hosting rights from Singapore previously. This event aims to showcase Thailand's ambitions and potential for development in the Southeast Asian gaming field.
It is noteworthy that the Thai Senate just rejected a draft bill last month to establish a comprehensive entertainment casino, reflecting the government's cautious attitude towards gambling-related activities.
Regulatory Trends and Policy Signals
Analysts believe that the "Promotion of the Game Industry Act" is a supplementary regulatory measure by the Thai government following the prohibition of physical casinos, targeting the online grey gaming market. This indicates that the government is taking comprehensive measures to address various forms of gambling risks.
Through this legislation, the government sends a clear signal both domestically and internationally: encouraging innovation in gaming entertainment but resolutely combating any form of gambling mechanisms to maintain a healthy market environment.
Expected Impact and Implementation Outlook
After the implementation of the bill, the Thai gaming industry will face significant adjustments. International game manufacturers will need to adapt to the new regulatory requirements, while local developers may gain more development opportunities and market space.
In the long run, this legislation may promote a healthier and more sustainable development of the Thai game industry, while providing a safer gaming environment for players.
