TLDR;
- Thailand is preparing to introduce its first AI legislation aimed at curbing misuse and fostering responsible innovation.
- The draft law emphasizes accountability, transparency, and citizen protection without stifling technological progress.
- High-risk AI applications will be identified by specialized agencies and must meet strict monitoring and reporting standards.
- Foreign AI companies will be required to establish a local legal presence to ensure compliance with Thai regulations.
Thailand is preparing to roll out comprehensive legislation to regulate artificial intelligence, as government officials seek to strike a careful balance between innovation and responsibility.
Thailand Embraces AI
The proposed Artificial Intelligence Act, currently under review, is designed to set nationwide standards for how AI is developed, used, and governed within the kingdom. According to the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, the move is driven by a growing need to prevent the misuse of AI technologies while supporting local advancement in the rapidly evolving sector.
Permanent Secretary Wisit Wisitsora-at confirmed that the law would introduce safeguards without stifling progress. The government wants to ensure that Thailand does not fall behind in the AI race, while still protecting the rights of its citizens. He emphasized that the law will act as a foundation for responsible AI development rather than a hurdle to innovation.
From Blocking Illegal Websites to Setting Global Standards
The impact of AI is already being felt in government operations. Agencies using AI have dramatically increased their ability to shut down illegal websites, jumping from 3,000 closures per week to a similar number per day. Wisit pointed to this development as evidence of AI’s transformative potential when harnessed responsibly. He also clarified that rather than banning specific technologies outright, the new law would allow sector-specific regulators to define what constitutes high-risk or dangerous applications based on their domain expertise.
Foreign AI providers looking to operate in Thailand will be required to register legal entities within the country and comply with local regulations. This includes obligations to report major AI-related incidents, collaborate with investigations, and uphold international risk management standards.
Transparency and Accountability at the Core
One of the key provisions in the draft law is the labeling of AI-generated content. Whether it be images, text, or video, companies will be required to clearly inform users when content is created by artificial intelligence. The law also reinforces the principle of human accountability, meaning that any misuse or harm resulting from unpredictable AI behavior will still be traceable to individuals or organizations responsible for deploying the technology.
Although the legislation allows for certain exemptions when AI acts in unforeseen ways, it emphasizes the importance of transparency. High-risk AI systems must be monitored continuously, with activity logs maintained and affected individuals notified in the event of rights violations. The Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) has also closed its public consultation on the draft, signaling that finalization of the bill is imminent.
Building a Future-Proof Digital Ecosystem
To support innovation, the draft law includes sandbox measures that allow companies to test AI systems in controlled environments. These zones will give startups and developers a space to experiment with cutting-edge ideas under regulatory oversight.
The ETDA’s newly established AI Governance Centre will play a critical role by guiding organizations through the complexities of ethical and compliant AI use. That said, Thailand’s approach reflects a broader global trend where governments are moving to regulate artificial intelligence without stalling technological momentum.
