Summary
In February 2026, Thailand’s Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) published a draft decree guiding the draft AI Law and a draft decision by the Prime Minister identifying high-risk AI systems. The ETDA also formally stood up its Artificial Intelligence Governance Center, which is responsible for AI governance research and development, advisory services to AI-adopting organisations, a regulatory sandbox for AI pilots, and monitoring of global AI trends.
Legislative and Regulatory Status
Thailand has not yet passed a standalone AI law as of April 2026. Following a public hearing in June 2025 that merged two earlier draft instruments into a single “Draft Principles of the AI Law,” ETDA is finalising the consolidated text. The government is expected to move a final bill through formal law-making procedures in 2026. The risk-based framework under development would introduce prohibited-risk and high-risk AI classifications, mandatory impact assessments, and expanded automated decision-making obligations.
Governance Body Analysis
The ETDA AI Governance Center is an established body with a mandate to conduct AI governance research, provide advisory services, and support sandbox initiatives — it is operational but remains primarily an advisory and research function rather than a regulatory body with enforcement powers. This places Thailand’s governance dimension at the score 1 level (advisory/research body).
The National AI Committee (chaired by the Prime Minister) provides high-level strategic coordination but similarly lacks independent regulatory status.
Employer AI Training Incentive
Under the National AI Strategy 2022–2027, employers who deliver AI training to staff can claim a 200% tax deduction on training costs. This is an incentive rather than a mandate, and does not create a legally enforceable training obligation for all employees.
Significance
Thailand is making visible progress toward a formal AI regulatory framework. The February 2026 draft decree is the most concrete step to date toward converting strategy into law, but no binding obligations have yet been established.