A nominee shareholder arrangement occurs when a Thai national holds shares in a company on behalf of a foreigner in order to circumvent foreign ownership restrictions under the Foreign Business Act. Such arrangements are illegal under Sections 36 and 37 of the Act and can result in criminal penalties for both the Thai nominee and the foreign beneficiary. … Read More
business
Thailand Digital Platform Regulation 2025: Draft PEA, CCA, Lèse-Majesté and Compliance Obligations
I. Introduction: Thailand’s Regulatory Crossroads Thailand’s digital regulatory model is undergoing a structural realignment. For most of the past two decades, online enforcement rested primarily on the Computer Crime Act (CCA), criminal defamation, and traditional Criminal Code provisions. These regimes … Read More
The Evolution of Thailand’s Business Rehabilitation Framework
Thailand’s business rehabilitation regime under the Bankruptcy Act B.E. 2483 (1940) continues to serve as a vital legal mechanism for companies facing financial distress. The cornerstone of this process is the court’s meticulous assessment of whether a debtor possesses a … Read More
A New Era for Innovation: Understanding Thailand’s Draft Startup Promotion and Development Act
Thailand is positioning itself at the forefront of Southeast Asia’s innovation economy with the introduction of the Draft Startup Promotion and Development Act. This proposed legislation represents a strategic governmental initiative designed to systematically address the legal and operational challenges … Read More
Navigating Thailand’s Specialized Courts: Essential Insights on Access, Procedures, Costs, and Eligibility
In today’s interconnected business world, Thailand’s specialized courts act as focused and efficient venues for resolving disputes in areas such as intellectual property, taxation, bankruptcy, and technology-related violations. As of September 30, 2025, these courts and divisions continue to adapt … Read More
Payment Processing Licenses in Thailand: Updated 2025 Overview
Payment processors and gateways are essential to Thailand’s digital economy, but operating one is highly regulated. The legal framework is based on the Payment Systems Act B.E. 2560 (2017), supported by a series of Bank of Thailand (BOT) notifications and … Read More
Thailand’s Upcoming E-Commerce Platform Regulations: What Operators Need to Prepare for
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
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
BOI Issues New Rules on Expatriate Employment and Remuneration
In June 2025, the Thailand Board of Investment (“BOI”) released Notification No. Por. 8/2568 (the “Notification”), setting out new requirements on how BOI-promoted companies may appoint and retain foreign personnel. The changes mark a shift in regulatory policy, particularly for … Read More