Thailand proposes first comprehensive gaming-industry law to rein in illicit gambling

Thailand is preparing to introduce its first dedicated gaming legislation, tentatively named the Promotion of the Game Industry Act, aimed at curbing “hidden gambling” elements embedded in video games—such as randomized rewards, loot boxes, and prize draws. The draft, already backed by the Comptroller General’s Department and funded via the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet shortly. Under the new law, the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau would gain the power to suspend unregistered games and audit operators to ensure compliance with transparency, safety, and fairness standards.

To administer the regime, the legislation plans to establish three oversight bodies: a Registration Committee, a Regulatory & Inspection Committee, and a Game Industry Promotion Committee. Officials emphasize that the bill is not intended to stifle competition but to bring structure and sustainability to Thailand’s gaming market while supporting local developers’ global competitiveness. If enacted, Thailand would become the first ASEAN country with specialized game legislation, following China, Japan, and South Korea. 

However, the proposed law enters a complicated landscape. Earlier in 2025, Thailand’s Senate formally rejected a separate draft bill to legalize casinos within integrated entertainment complexes, citing concerns around social stability and national security. Additionally, under the longstanding Gambling Act B.E. 2478 (1935), most forms of gambling remain strictly illegal in Thailand, limiting regulated exceptions to state lotteries and horse racing. The promotion of a gaming-industry law suggests the government may be shifting focus toward regulating the digital entertainment frontier as a more politically and socially palatable entry point, rather than fully liberalizing casino gambling overnight.