Game industry act faces major revisions

The draft amendment of the Game Industry Promotion Act faces major revisions, which could lead to further delays in its implementation. Kittipong Prucksa-aroon, president of the Thailand Game Software Industry Association, explained that the original draft, created by the Digital Economy Promotion Agency under the previous government, has already undergone two rounds of public hearings.

Current Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Chaichanok Chidchob has since substantially revised the bill, covering key aspects such as the legislation's scope and the composition of committees. The latest changes include expanding the legislation to include other forms of gaming, like board games, card games, and e-sports.

However, the association has raised concerns about the governance structure, particularly the proposed majority of government representatives on the main committee. The association proposes a more balanced structure with equal representation between public and private sectors. They also suggest streamlining the committee structure, dissolving additional sub-committees and retaining only the fund committee alongside the main committee.

The establishment of a dedicated fund to support the development of Thailand's gaming industry is another major issue, as it requires additional scrutiny and consideration by the Ministry of Finance, adding complexity to the legislative process. While the drafting and revision process may be completed soon, the bill still needs to undergo public hearings, cabinet consideration, and parliamentary legislative processes before becoming law.

The association estimates that enactment could take at least two more years, potentially delaying the establishment of a regulatory and promotional framework for Thailand's gaming industry, which is seeking greater support and investment.