Key takeaways for platform operators: Thailand’s competition regulator is moving to formalize conduct standards for large digital platforms, with increased scrutiny of self-preferencing, tying, parity clauses, data use, and discriminatory ranking. The move aligns with global trends led by the … Read More
Author Archives: Naytiwut Jamallsawat
Thailand’s New Website Security Standards 2025: Implications for Compliance Under the Cybersecurity Act
Thailand has strengthened its national cybersecurity framework with the implementation of a Website Security Standard. The standard was officially released on September 16, 2025, and takes effect on the same day. Issued under the Cybersecurity Act B.E. 2562 (2019), this … Read More
Thailand’s 24-Hour Content Takedown Rule: Compliance Challenges for Social Media Platforms
Thailand’s digital regulations are evolving rapidly. The Notification of the Electronic Transactions Commission regarding Measures for Preventing Technology Crimes on Social Media Platform Providers was published in the Royal Gazette on July 4, 2025 (“Notification”). It establishes a strict 24-hour … Read More
Thailand’s PDPA: Enforcement in Action and Cross-Border Data Transfers
Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), enforced since June 2022, demands robust compliance to avoid fines exceeding THB 21.5 million. The PDPC penalizes weak governance, inadequate security, and delayed breach responses. Key steps include appointing Data Protection Officers, implementing encryption, and ensuring 72-hour breach reporting. The PDPA’s cross-border data transfer rules, clarified in 2023, require Standard Contractual Clauses or Binding Corporate Rules for compliance. Adhering to PDPA not only mitigates penalties but boosts consumer trust by 15% and market access by 10%, offering strategic business advantages.
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Foreign Satellite Operators in Thailand: NBTC Approval and Equipment Licensing Requirements
Foreign Satellite Operators in Thailand – Service and Equipment Approvals Required
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has addressed the activity by a foreign satellite operator offering direct-to-device connectivity. The NBTC reiterated that providing satellite internet services in Thailand without a license is unlawful. This clear position underscores the regulator’s heightened scrutiny of foreign market entry in the satellite sector.
Key Requirements
Type III License Required
Foreign satellite operators cannot lawfully provide services in Thailand without a Type III telecommunications business license issued by the NBTC.
Local Partner Structure
A Thai-licensed Type III operator must serve as the official licensee and compliance anchor, ensuring adherence to national security, interception, and consumer protection obligations.
Equipment Licensing
Satellite user terminals, ground stations, and direct-to-device equipment cannot be imported, sold, or used in Thailand without prior approval from the NBTC.
NBTC Enforcement
The regulator has shown that promotional activity alone may trigger regulatory action—equipment imported without authorization risks seizure at the border.
Conclusion
Thailand welcomes innovation in satellite communications; however, market entry requires full compliance with the NBTC’s regulations. The regulator’s recent action highlights the risks of unauthorized activity. Foreign operators should obtain both service and equipment approvals before entering the Thai market.
Formichella & Sritawat advises global technology and satellite companies on NBTC licensing, equipment approvals, and regulatory strategies for lawful entry into Thailand.
Partner-Market Partnerships: Foreign Telcos and Type I Licensing in Thailand
Thailand’s Type 1 license regime presents two contrasting stories: on one hand, the fall of many domestic retail MVNOs (see https://fosrlaw.com/2025/thailand-mvno-type-1-license-challenges/); on the other, the steady, behind-the-scenes activity of foreign operators working through partner-market agreements. Our accompanying articles help explain these different paths, showing why local MVNOs faced challenges while foreign carriers continue to use Type 1 licensing to support enterprises. … Read More
Why so few MVNOs? It’s the economics. An in-depth look at MVNOs in Thailand Under the NBTC Type 1 License?
Thailand’s telecom regulator, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), has introduced the Type 1 telecommunications license to encourage more competition among service providers, including Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). These operators, by design, don’t own their own telecommunications infrastructure … Read More
Why The NBTC Might Say No: Unraveling Thailand’s Type III License Rejections
NBTC’s Discretionary Rejections of Type III License Applications Thailand’s telecom regulator, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), has shown that meeting formal criteria on paper does not guarantee license approval. The NBTC actively exercises discretion to deny Type III … Read More
Thailand’s Nuclear Energy Framework: Legal Reforms After Past Accidents
By John Formichella and Naytiwut JamallsawatRead more from the authors Thailand has intentionally overhauled its nuclear regulatory system, mainly based on lessons from past radiological incidents. As nuclear energy cautiously re-enters the national energy strategy—particularly through Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)—the … Read More
Thailand’s Media Revolution: Navigating Broadcasting, OTT, and Film Laws in 2025
Thailand’s media landscape is undergoing a seismic shift in 2025! From stringent NBTC broadcasting rules to emerging OTT regulations and film censorship reforms, the Kingdom is balancing innovation with tradition. Discover lucrative incentives for foreign productions—up to 30% cash rebates—and navigate compliance challenges with expert insights from Formichella & Sritawat. Dive into the future of Thailand’s media revolution today! … Read More