regulations

  • Thailand News

    Thailand consumer council pushes for AI regulation

    The Thailand Consumer Council (TCC) is pushing for the modernisation of the Consumer Protection Act 1979, in order to accommodate the emerging trends in technology, particularly the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). This call for change comes in tandem with the TCC’s latest campaign, Responsible and Fair AI for Consumers, which was launched on World Consumer Rights Day. The campaign…

  • Thailand News

    Bangkok bans parking under BTS stations to ease traffic

    Bangkok’s traffic management authorities have implemented a new regulation prohibiting parking in the indented areas of central road islands beneath BTS Skytrain stations. The regulation, which took effect immediately, aims to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce accidents caused by illegal parking. The Royal Gazette announced a traffic regulation for Bangkok, effective today, which forbids parking in the indents of central…

  • Thailand News

    Thai Health Ministry under scrutiny for drug user-dealer regulation

    The Public Health Ministry faces a 30-day deadline to substantiate its regulation that categorises individuals holding five methamphetamine pills or 10mg of crystal meth or less as mere drug users, not dealers. This demand comes from the Office of the Ombudsman, which is considering cancelling the ministry regulation. The secretary-general of the Office of the Ombudsman, Police Lieutenant Colonel Keirov…

  • Business News

    Thailand’s influencer marketing boom sparks regulatory debates

    The burgeoning influencer marketing trend is powering the local creator economy while simultaneously causing societal implications, thereby sparking debates over regulatory measures. Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) and Nielsen’s data highlighted the meteoric rise of influencers, with over 13.5 million influencers in the ASEAN Economic Community, and more than two million influencers in Thailand alone. The scramble…

  • Automotive

    Thai emission laws transform: What drivers need to know

    Thailand is stepping up its game in the fight against air pollution with stringent vehicle emission standards. Spearheaded by the Thai Industrial Standards Institute and the Pollution Control Department, these regulations are a testament to Thailand’s commitment to cleaner air and a healthier environment. In a significant move, Thailand has embraced the Euro 5 standard for diesel fuel, set to…

  • Thailand Cannabis Guide

    The pros and cons of cannabis legalisation in Thailand

    Asia’s approach to drug enforcement has often been painted with a broad brush, characterised by rigid penalties and a no-tolerance policy. From ‘hard’ drugs like heroin to substances like cannabis, the continent has maintained an unwavering war against illicit substances. Thailand’s cannabis laws are no exception. For years, whether for locals or foreigners, the use of cannabis was an offence…

  • Business News

    Thailand’s central bank bans prepayment charges in new lending regulation

    The Bank of Thailand (BoT) has introduced a new responsible lending (RL) regulation that bans charges for debt prepayment and restructuring across all consumer loan products. The regulation, which comes into effect on January 1, impacts various financial institutions such as banks, non-banks, asset management companies, and specialised financial institutions. However, the ban does not apply to fees for mortgage…

  • Thailand News

    Thailand tightens cannabis regulation for medical use only

    Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew enacted a proposed bill concerning the use of cannabis, underlining its restriction to medical applications only. After signing the bill, Cholnan clarified the bill on Saturday. “The newly proposed law will explicitly outline that cannabis can only be utilised for medical reasons. It will further promote the health benefits that cannabis can provide.” Addressing the…

  • Thailand News

    Thailand’s energy ministry to revise fuel regulations for consumer protection

    In a move to safeguard consumer rights, Thailand’s Energy Ministry is set to revise regulations to guarantee that customers receive the exact volume of fuel they purchase. The decision came in response to a social media uproar over a motorist’s complaint that a petrol station failed to dispense the correct volume of fuel he had purchased. The motorist, Ritdech Daengpradit,…

  • Cannabis

    Uncovering the controversial world of Plant Growth Regulators

    The use of Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) in agriculture and horticulture has become more controversial in recent years. Because of the possible effects that these chemicals may have on crops, human health, and the environment, there has been much discussion about these substances, which are intended to alter plant growth and appearance. What are Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs)? Plant Growth…

  • Business News

    Thailand NBTC advances regulatory structure for OTT platforms

    Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is swiftly developing a regulatory structure for over-the-top (OTT) platforms, focusing primarily on video-on-demand and video-sharing services. This manoeuvre is a further step by the government to supervise domestic and international OTT operators, necessitating that business details be submitted to the regulator to aid in shaping the future of the OTT industry. OTT…

  • Economy News

    CardX braces for regulatory change raising customer debt repayment 3%

    CardX, a credit card service provider operating under SCB X Group, anticipates a potential issue with customer compliance linked to an upcoming regulatory change from the Bank of Thailand. The central bank presently permits credit card users to repay their debt at a minimum rate of 5% of the overall credit balance each month, a measure introduced to aid consumers…

  • Phuket News

    Child seat vehicle laws go into effect in Phuket: 2,000 baht fine

    Buckle up kids! The public, particularly parents, have once again been reminded about the new safety regulations regarding child seats in vehicles within Phuket. As relayed by the Phuket Info Centre today, the National Police Agency’s legislation demands the use of industry-approved child safety seats. The fledgeling law, enforced from August 17, mandates that all children below the age of…

  • Business News

    Alcohol tax overhaul by Excise Dept planned to close loopholes

    The head of the Excise Department announced plans to overhaul the excise tax structure on alcohol and beer, aiming to eliminate existing tax loopholes. Ekniti Nitithanprapas said a formal conversation is ongoing with the private sector to secure an equitable and suitable tax framework. Furthermore, many new beverage entries on the market are technically slipping through the cracks of taxation,…

  • Business News

    Timber regulations tightened, Thailand targets Siamese rosewood exports

    The Commerce Ministry of Thailand recently announced two new regulations targeting the timber trade. Beginning on July 17, traders will be required to hold a certificate of import to import timber, processed wood, and wooden artefacts. Additionally, starting August 16, the export of Siamese rosewood (phayung) will be prohibited, Bangkok Post reports. The director-general of the Foreign Trade Department, Ronnarong…

  • Business News

    EU regulators apply old laws to control AI as new rules take years to enforce

    The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) services like ChatGPT has led regulators to rely on existing laws to control a technology that could transform societies and businesses. The European Union is working on new AI rules to address privacy and safety concerns associated with generative AI technology, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT. However, it will take several years for the…

  • Business News

    Custodied cryptocurrencies to see new regulations in Thailand

    Custodied cryptocurrencies will see new regulations in Thailand. The Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand issued new measures which require companies offering crypto custody services to “establish a digital wallet management system to accommodate efficient custody of digital assets and keys and ensure the safety of clients’ assets.” The new regulations went into effect on January 16th. The new measures…

  • Northern Thailand News

    Thai school introduces points system for “bad students”

    A school in Surin, northeastern Thailand has introduced strict, conservative guidelines that will deduct points off students for not following the school rules. A photo of the student’s handbook was shared on the “Bad Student” or “Nak Lien Leaw” Facebook page. The school’s principal told students on orientation day if they don’t like the rules, they are free to leave,…

  • Thailand News

    How to bring your pet into Thailand

    Those who travel to Thailand with pets, may have a few questions about the legalities surrounding the importation of your 4-legged friends. But, all worries aside, as long as you follow the rules and regulations set forth by the Thai consulate in your home country, it should be a fairly smooth process. Here, we have the current rules and procedures…

  • Covid-19 News

    Regulations for flights between “dark red” provinces set

    The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand announced over the weekend that starting tomorrow airlines will be able to take passengers between the 29 “dark red” provinces. The flights must strictly adhere to disease control measures. The announcement follows the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration’s announcement on Friday that the cessation of domestic air travel will be removed. In order to…

  • Economy News

    Thailand requires in-person registration for cryptocurrency

    Thailand has launched new regulations for anybody opening a cryptocurrency account that requires physical registration and forbids online setup. The Anti-Money Laundering Office created this rule that goes into effect in September 2021 in an effort to reduce money laundering, a practice that plagues crypto. People registering a cryptocurrency account in Thailand will be required to scan their Thai ID…

  • Covid-19 NewsPhuket extends Covid entry restrictions to May 12 | Thaiger

    Phuket extends Covid entry restrictions to May 12

    Phuket’s governor has extended the Covid-19 restrictions and entry measures until May 12, after they were set to expire at the end of April. Phuket Governor, Narong Woonciew, announced the orders following a meeting with 14 foreign consuls and embassy representatives on Tuesday. Phuket Immigration have since warned that foreigners who skirted the Covid prevention measures and acted “socially irresponsible”,…

  • Thailand News

    Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority announces health and safety regulations

    The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand says airlines must continue to follow health and safety regulations as the country has seen a 3rd wave of the Covid-19 virus. Its the third time the CAAT have introduced restrictions on in-flight services since airlines were grounded in April last year. The authority says new guidelines to take effect today include… • Maintaining…

  • Transport News

    Taxi and transport drivers calling for help from the Thai government

    Unions of Thai Taxi workers and Thai automobile drivers have handed over an official request to a government labour committee to file a request to the government seeking financial support. Thai Taxi workers passed over their requests to Suthep Yoo-on, the chairman of the Labour Committee officially seeking industry support. Just about all sectors of the country’s transport infrastructure have…

  • Thailand News

    Warehouse owner arrested for allegedly reselling used medical gloves

    A warehouse owner was arrested for allegedly repackaging and reselling used medical gloves. Police raided a warehouse in Pathum Thani, just north of Bangkok, after receiving a tip that the building stored and repackaged used medical gloves. Officers found 654 bags of used rubber gloves and over 30,000 empty boxes as well as other repackaging equipment, according to FDA deputy…

  • Economy News

    US dollar denominated gold trade to be allowed

    Ending decades of regulations limiting gold trade in Thailand to the baht, the US dollar will now be allowed as well. 2 weeks ago, in a bid to slow the rapidly rising baht and avoid landing on the US list of “currency manipulators”, the Bank of Thailand announced a policy to allow trading gold products in US dollars. Market players…

  • Covid-19 News

    11 groups of people allowed to fly into Thailand, as of today

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand have issued the “Notification on Conditions for Aircraft Permitted to Enter Thailand Version 3. UPDATE: The CAAT has listed 11 groups of Thai and non-Thai nationals (foreigners) permitted to enter Thailand. The groups consist of the following… (1) Thai nationals. (2) Persons with an exemption or persons being…

  • Covid-19 News

    Transit passengers must have health certificate before buying ticket: CAAC

    The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has ordered the implementation of new regulations for any international flights entering Thailand – All passengers must have a medical certificate showing that they are free of Covid-19 before booking their ticket. The move follows China’s decision to temporarily ban Thai Lion Air from flying the Bangkok-Guangzhou route and Thai AirAsia X from flying…

  • Covid-19 News

    New regulation for patients who conceal information related to Covid-19

    Yesterday a new regulation was put in place under the Department of Medical Services, relating to patients at public hospitals who cover up their travel history or conceal any medical conditions or information relating to the coronavirus. Violators could now face up to 6 months of imprisonment or a fine up to 10,000 baht. The announcement cites Article 137 of…

  • Covid-19 News

    Reimbursement for medical bills for Covid-19 in Thailand

    According to a Facebook post on the ‘Thai Khu Fa (Government House)’ page, the Thai government has informed that private hospitals are not allowed to send medical bills to Covid-19 patients or their family, the post says that the government will reimburse all the medical bills back to the hospital. Many complaints were sent the government that Covid-19 patients at…

  • Covid-19 News

    Restrictions on movement and closure of hotels in Chon Buri as Covid-19 cases rise

    The governor of Chon Buri, along with district chiefs, mayors and health personnel decided at a top level meeting yesterday on a 10 point plan to fight the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus, set to be signed and implemented today. The measures leave any tourists still in Pattaya at the whim of hotel owners as to whether they will stay…

  • Covid-19 News

    Nearly 300 Thais stranded at the southern border, paperwork issues

    Around 300 Thais trying to return to Thailand are stranded at the Wang Kelian immigration checkpoint in northern Malaysia’s Perlis State. On the other side is Thailand’s Wang Prachan checkpoint in Satun’s Khuan Don district. They’ve been denied entry after failing to comply with the strict new regulations set by the Thai authorities. Thailand and Malaysia have closed their checkpoints…

  • Thailand News

    Thai fishing industry says new laws are ‘unrealistic’

    by Kanittha Thepajorn A draft bill for the improved protection of fishing boat crews has sailed through the National Legislative Assembly. NLA members voted unanimously to endorse the Bill on Labour Protection in the Fisheries Sector. The Nation reports that the writers of the Bill say the new laws will bring the conditions on fishing vessels up to par with the…