Thailand’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Act 2025, effective 8 November, 2025, bans retail alcohol sales from midnight to 11:00 AM, tightens advertising rules, and increases penalties up to 500,000 Baht. It also closes advertising loopholes such as clothing / soda. Hotels may sell 24/7, and low-alcohol drinks are exempt. … Read More
Thailand
Thailand’s Digital Assets Blueprint: Balancing Fintech Innovation with Firm Control
Thailand is rapidly developing one of Asia’s most structured frameworks for digital assets, shifting from outright prohibition to a nuanced model of “regulated innovation.” For legal and fintech professionals, the recent developments offer a masterclass in how a jurisdiction can cautiously open … Read More
Thailand Strengthens Consumer Protections with New Residential Leasing Regulations
Several mandatory provisions have been introduced into short-term leases to address longstanding tenant grievances. Thailand’s Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) has enacted stricter regulations for the residential leasing sector. The new rules, which come into effect on September … 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.
… Read More
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.
Thailand’s Amended Organic Act on Anti-Corruption: Enhanced Whistleblower Protection and Corporate Compliance Requirements
Thailand’s amended Organic Act on Anti-Corruption (No.2) B.E. 2568 (2025) strengthens whistleblower protection, empowering the NACC to shield individuals reporting corruption from retaliation. This reform heightens compliance demands for businesses in Thailand. Formichella & Sritawat, led by Paul Crosio, offers expert guidance to align your company with these changes through robust governance and compliance solutions. Learn how to safeguard your business today.
… Read More
Thailand’s Crackdown Continues: The three No’s – No visa, No bank account and No job.
Thailand’s 2025 crackdown on visa misuse and stricter banking rules is reshaping life for expats, students, and digital nomads. From revoking 10,000 student visas to scrutinizing DTV holders, authorities are cracking down on fraud, while banks like Bangkok Bank tighten account requirements. Learn how to navigate the new rules, avoid risky visa agents, and secure your stay in the Land of Smiles.
… Read More
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
Thailand’s E-Work Permit Revolution: What Expats Need to Know in 2025
Thailand’s Ministry of Labor has launched a game-changing e-work permit system in 2025, replacing the traditional “blue book” work permit and transforming how foreign professionals navigate employment in Thailand. Designed to streamline applications and enhance compliance, this digital shift is a cornerstone of … Read More