Thailand’s advertising regulations are detailed in the Consumer Protection Act, alongside specific laws for radio and television broadcasting, and guidelines for controlling content deemed inappropriate or detrimental to the public.
General Compliance: Advertisements must not deceive or mislead consumers regarding the attributes, origin, or benefits of products or services. Violations can result in fines and criminal charges.
Content Restrictions: There are strict prohibitions against content that disrespects the monarchy, which is a significant cultural and legal consideration in Thailand. Any content deemed to undermine national security, cause public panic, or be morally offensive is also prohibited.
Broadcast-Specific Rules: For radio and television, the law requires adherence to time-specific rules for advertising content, with certain restrictions during children's viewing times to safeguard against inappropriate exposure.
Digital Advertising: Online ads must comply with general consumer protection principles and respect privacy rights. Misleading digital ads are subject to scrutiny under the Computer Crime Act, which governs the appropriateness and security of online content.
Special Products: Advertising for alcohol is heavily regulated, with specific times and conditions under which it can be aired or displayed. Tobacco advertising is outright banned across all media platforms.
Navigating the Thai advertising landscape requires careful attention to both general and specific regulatory frameworks to ensure compliance and avoid legal repercussions.
