Thailand is taking significant steps towards establishing a comprehensive legal framework for artificial intelligence (“AI“). Following the release of the draft AI legislation by the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (“ETDA“) on 9 July 2026, the country appears to be moving towards a risk-based regulatory model similar to that adopted by the European Union (“EU“) under the EU AI Act. The draft is currently open for public consultation until 14 August 2026.
The proposed approach reflects a growing international trend. While the United States has generally favored a more innovation-driven and less prescriptive approach to AI governance, the European Union has introduced a comprehensive framework that regulates AI systems according to the level of risk they present. Vietnam has recently become the first country in Southeast Asia to enact dedicated AI legislation based on a similar risk-based model, suggesting that regional AI regulation is beginning to converge around common principles.
Following the public consultation, ETDA will review the comments received and consult with relevant government agencies before revising the draft where appropriate. Once consensus is reached, the responsible ministry will submit the draft to the Cabinet for approval in principle before it proceeds through the ordinary legislative process. Although the legislative timeline remains uncertain, it is generally expected that the law could take between six and twenty-four months to be enacted and come into force.
Establishing Framework for Responsible AI Development
The draft seeks to establish a framework for responsible AI development by classifying AI systems according to their level of risk and imposing corresponding regulatory obligations. For example, operators of medium-risk AI systems would be required to implement appropriate preventive measures to manage identified risks and ensure that AI-generated content can be identified through machine-readable labels. Higher-risk AI applications would be subject to more stringent requirements, particularly where they may give rise to discrimination or other significant societal impacts.
Nevertheless, the current draft remains largely principles-based. While it outlines the overall regulatory structure, it provides limited guidance on what constitutes adequate preventive measures or how compliance will be assessed in practice. In addition, the draft does not clearly designate a single regulator responsible for AI oversight. Instead, it appears likely that sector-specific regulators will develop AI governance requirements within their respective industries, with further details to be introduced through subordinate legislation, including Royal Decrees.
Strengthening Thailand’s AI Ecosystem
At the same time, Thailand continues to strengthen its AI ecosystem through investment in Thai-language large language models (LLMs) and digital infrastructure. The country currently has the fourth-largest data centre market in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), behind Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, positioning it as an increasingly attractive destination for AI and cloud infrastructure investment.
Concluding Words
Overall, the draft AI legislation represents an important milestone in Thailand’s AI regulatory development. However, substantial work remains before the framework provides sufficient certainty for businesses and AI developers. Much of the practical compliance regime will depend on future implementing regulations and sector-specific guidance. As a result, while Thailand is clearly moving towards a structured AI regulatory framework, a fully mature and operational AI regime is unlikely to emerge in the immediate future.
If you have any queries on the above, please reach out to our Partner listed on this page.
For regional technology, media and telecommunications matters, please see Rajah & Tann Asia’s Technology, Media & Telecommunications Practice for more information.
Disclaimer
Rajah & Tann Asia is a network of member firms with local legal practices in Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Our Asian network also includes our regional office in China as well as regional desks focused on Brunei, Japan and South Asia. Member firms are independently constituted and regulated in accordance with relevant local requirements.
The contents of this publication are owned by Rajah & Tann Asia together with each of its member firms and are subject to all relevant protection (including but not limited to copyright protection) under the laws of each of the countries where the member firm operates and, through international treaties, other countries. No part of this publication may be reproduced, licensed, sold, published, transmitted, modified, adapted, publicly displayed, broadcast (including storage in any medium by electronic means whether or not transiently for any purpose save as permitted herein) without the prior written permission of Rajah & Tann Asia or its respective member firms.
Please note also that whilst the information in this publication is correct to the best of our knowledge and belief at the time of writing, it is only intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter and should not be treated as legal advice or a substitute for specific professional advice for any particular course of action as such information may not suit your specific business and operational requirements. You should seek legal advice for your specific situation. In addition, the information in this publication does not create any relationship, whether legally binding or otherwise. Rajah & Tann Asia and its member firms do not accept, and fully disclaim, responsibility for any loss or damage which may result from accessing or relying on the information in this publication.
