Artificial Intelligence law at Thailand
As of May 2025, Thailand is in the process of developing its first comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI) legislation. The government is drafting two key pieces of legislation to regulate and promote AI technologies:
1. Draft Royal Decree on Business Operations Using AI Systems
This draft decree, introduced by the Office of the National Digital Economy and Society Commission (ONDE), adopts a risk-based approach to AI regulation. It categorizes AI systems into three levels:(Belaws)
Prohibited AI: Systems that employ subliminal techniques, utilize social scoring, access sensitive personal information, or use real-time remote biometric identification in public areas.(Tilleke & Gibbins)
High-Risk AI: Systems used in critical infrastructure, credit scoring, medical devices, and autonomous vehicles. These are subject to stricter regulations, including mandatory registration and compliance with specific obligations.(Belaws)
Limited-Risk AI: Systems like chatbots, impersonation tools, and deep fakes, which require adherence to transparency obligations and clear communications to relevant parties.(Belaws)
The decree also mandates that providers of high-risk AI systems register with the responsible authority before placing them on the market or putting them into service. Providers located outside Thailand must appoint a local representative to fulfill this registration requirement. Penalties for non-compliance include administrative fines and potential criminal liability under the Electronic Transactions Act. (Lexology, Belaws)
2. Draft Act on the Promotion and Support of AI Innovations
Introduced by the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA), this draft act aims to foster AI innovation while ensuring consumer protection. Key provisions include:(Belaws)
AI Business Registration: AI operators who register with the ETDA will be eligible for various benefits, such as access to the AI Clinic.(Belaws)
AI Sandbox: A controlled environment that allows AI operators to test their systems and seek regulatory guidance.(Belaws)
Standard Contract Terms: Mandatory disclosure of minimum contract terms to promote transparency and prevent unfair discriminatory clauses.(Belaws)
Risk Assessment: Prescribed criteria and methods for conducting risk assessments of AI systems based on ethical principles.(Belaws)
The ETDA will be empowered to issue corrective orders to AI service providers who fail to meet the prescribed quality of service standards. (Belaws)
3. Guidelines for Responsible Use of Generative AI
In addition to the draft laws, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE) and the ETDA have launched guidelines for the application of generative AI with good governance for organizations. These guidelines emphasize principles of good governance to ensure AI is deployed safely, responsibly, and effectively across sectors. They cover aspects such as understanding generative AI, evaluating its benefits and limitations, assessing risks, and implementing responsible practices. (BABL AI)
Summary Table
Legislation
Focus Area
Key Features
Draft Royal Decree
Regulation of AI systems
Risk-based categorization, mandatory registration, penalties for non-compliance
Draft Act on AI Innovations
Promotion of AI innovation
AI business registration, AI sandbox, standard contract terms, risk assessment
Guidelines for Generative AI
Responsible AI use
Principles of good governance, risk assessment, responsible practices
These legislative efforts aim to balance the promotion of AI innovation with the need to ensure safety, transparency, and accountability in AI applications. The drafts are currently under review, and stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the consultation process to shape the future of AI regulation in Thailand.
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