Regulations on Advertisement of Alcoholic Beverages

Regulations on Advertisement of Alcoholic Beverages

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Thailand has one of highest road-related fatalities per capita, many of which are contributed by alcohol consumption. Not only that, it was found that road related fatalities skyrocketed during national Thai holidays where social drinking were prevalent. As such, the issue of alcohol consumption has always been a major concern for the Thai government and society alike.

To curb alcohol-related problems, the Thai government implemented Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, B.E. 2551 (2008) (“ABCA”). Similar to Plain Tobacco Packaging Act included in WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), the ABCA aims to control alcohol related advertisements by removing positive associations of brands (including design and/or symbol) from the consumption of alcoholic beverages. With the ABCA, the advertisement avenue for alcoholic companies and content creators has been reduced. Consequentially forcing them to adjust or face heavy fines and punishments.

About the Regulations

Section 32, paragraph 1 of the ABCA prohibits any persons from directly or indirectly advertising or displaying name, symbol or trademark of any alcoholic beverages in a manner showing its properties or persuading another to drink. Meaning, any image and/or video advertisement of alcoholic beverage’s related symbol (i.e. trademark or name) is strictly prohibited. Hence, obvious advertisement of any illustrations relating to alcoholic beverages, packaging or container is not allowed. With this being said, the ABCA does provide an exemption if the advertisement originated from outside of Thailand.  

The Ministerial Regulations Prescribing Bases and Conditions on Displaying of Picture of Symbol for Advertising or Public Relations of Alcoholic Beverages, B.E. 2553 (2010) also stipulates the following regulations:

  • Any symbols that may be used to illustrate alcoholic beverages must not occupy more than 3% of the total advertisement space;
  • The symbol must be accompanied by a health warning statement either in English or Thai (e.g. alcohol can decrease driving ability);
  • The symbol should be displayed for less than 5% of the total advertising time, while not exceeding 2 seconds of the total advertisement;
  • The symbol may only be shown at the end of the advertisement, which may only be broadcasted between 22:00 (10.00 pm) – 05:00 (05.00 am) BKK +7 GMT

Common Pitfalls 

As mentioned above, companies and content creators should avoid any advertisement that can be considered as inducement or persuasion of alcoholic beverage consumptions. Section 30 and 32, paragraph 2 of the ABCA further stipulate the manner of sale and the manner of advertisement. These are such as:

  1. Boastfully advertising property of an alcoholic beverage (e.g. the beverage has health benefits);
  2. Using a person of fame (i.e. celebrity, influencer or athlete) or any person under the age of 20-year-old to advertise the alcoholic beverage;
  3. Display of the actual beverage, packaging or container;
  4. Any persuasive advertisements; or
  5. Using lotto, lucky draw, free-sample or promotional activity in relation to promoting alcoholic beverages.

Penalties

Failure to comply with Section 32 includes liability for imprisonment for a term not exceeding a year, or for a fine not exceeding 50,000 Baht a day through the period of violation, or until acting correctly. Furthermore, the penalty for violating Section 30 includes liability for imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or for a fine not exceeding 10,000 Baht, or both.  

Final Advice

Overall, the safest route would be to not include the actual images, videos and/or illustrations of alcoholic beverages on advertisement content(s). Whereas, symbols may be used as long as it is in compliance with the stipulated regulations.  In any case, companies and content creators may still create “tasteful content” to allow wholesome advertisement while remaining in compliance with the laws. Alcohol-free/zero percent alcoholic beverages and creatively imitated water bottle are such examples. With such strategy, companies can avoid the legal pitfalls, while able to promote its entire brand image and all related products in a positive light.

For further assistance or advice on how to safety create your advertisement content or compliance evaluation, please contact us at: law@ilct.co.th  

By:

Chart Chotiphol

Counsel/Business Development

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Thailand: COVID -19 State of Emergency Announcement

Thailand: COVID -19 State of Emergency Announcement

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To flatten the curve of the quickly rising COVID-19 cases, the Thai government has declared state of emergency as per the “Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situation B.E. 2548 (2005)” (“EPAES”) which will provide more enforcement power to the Prime Minister with the approval from the Council of Ministers  to perform actions and impose policies in unusual circumstances.  This has taken effect since March 26, 2020 (end date to be determined) in the Bangkok metropolis and other provinces. The EPAES is nationwide, but the governor of each provinces will have the authority given by the Prime Minister plus the approval and the Council of Ministers to implement new rules and regulations as appropriate. Overall, the Prime Minister will have administrative power to counteract the ongoing outbreak, it is likely that stricter quarantine protocol will be imposed if COVID-19 remain unchecked.

What are the new standard protocols in this situation?

Social distancing rules and maximum hygiene protocols, including the use of all necessary goods such as: facemask, disinfectant gel and infection screening etc.

Each province is responsible for its own quarantine protocol, this is upon the discretion of the province’s respective governors. Rules and regulations may vary. Therefore, residents should be mindful of the local protocol.

What will happen now?

  • Currently, the curfew is from 10.00 pm – 04.00 am which will take effect from 3 April 2020 onwards (with certain exceptions). The hours may change depending on the local situation, there will be officers enforcing the curfew;
  • Pharmacies, banks, supermarkets, retailers of essential goods will remain opened, except during curfew hours;
  • Public transportation will be suspended during curfew hours; 
  • Movements between provinces will be restricted with checkpoints (exemptions apply);
  • Close of border (exemptions apply);
  • Thais are “discouraged” to travel aboard, foreigners may still leave;
  • No hoarding or stockpiling of essential goods;
  • No public gathering that could increase social risks (i.e. unrest and spread of infection etc.);
  • Public venues with large crowd are to be closed (previously announced);
  • Censorship of media (primarily aim toward fake news);
  • All public and private hospitals are ordered to make availability;
  • Schools, universities, hotels, stadiums, temples gathering halls are requested to be converted into field hospitals (if necessary);
  • Governmental facilities and authorities will still open but under new operating hours.

What does the EPAES implies?

  • The Public are not allowed outside of his/her residence during curfew hours;
  • Prohibition of news media, articles or any related materials which may contain false information or disrupt public order;
  • Cease of all public and private transportations (exemptions to be determined);
  • No entry into any public buildings, institutions or facilities;
  • Evacuation of the public in areas that are deemed unsafe.

What are the powers of the officers?

  • To arrest any suspected individual/entity that is believed to cause emergency situation;
  • To summon any suspected individual;
  • To seize any weapons, goods, chemical substances or any related objects that are believed to cause emergency situation;
  • To search, disassemble, remove or destroy any buildings, structures or barriers for enforcement purposes;
  • To censor, suppress or suspense any media that is found to disrupt public order;
  • To order the cease, order or suppress of any actions that are found to disrupt public order;
  • To debar any individuals from leaving Thailand;
  • To evict alien citizen that is believed to cause emergency situation from Thailand;
  • To place restrictions on sale of arms, weapons, chemical substance or any other materials that may provoke unrests;
  • To allow military personnel to assist with the enforcement of EPAES.

Penalties

Failure to comply with the EPAES will result in a fine up to THB 40,000, two years imprisonment or both. Other penalties may also apply, for example: violations of the Communicable Disease Act B.E. 2558 (2015) (“CDA”).

All and all, we have been seeing the heightening of protocols to match the aggression of COVID-19, we expect more to be enacted in the coming days, we will keep you posted as the situation continues to unfold. For further assistance, please contact us at law@ilct.co.th.

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Operation Procedure for Green Energy and Green Technology in Thailand

Operation Procedure for Green Energy and Green Technology in Thailand

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Renewable energy (aka “Green energy”) is an energy that can be produced from natural sources. Unlike non-renewable energy (e.g. fossil fuels), green energy will naturally replenish overtime, as well as, produce relatively low level of greenhouse gases with less environmental impact. Common examples of green energy sources are: solar, wind, hydro and geothermal.

This article outlines a few Q&A’s for green energy providers, producers and developers covering basic operational procedures in Thailand, such as; importation, contracts, insurance and patent protection.   

1). Is there any certification needed for green energy related technology or product?

As green energy related products may be considered as industrial products, the importers should check whether their products are officially listed as such. Listed industrial products must comply with the Thai Industrial Product Standards Act (“IPS”) and Ministerial Regulation to conform with the prescribed standard to be allowed for sale in Thailand.

Product details must be presented to the competent officials in order to obtain a license from the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (“TISI”). Once a license is received, the product is then able to clear Thai customs. The standard label must also appear on the products. Lastly, due to the constant changes to the list of products subject to IPS, importers should regularly check the list before importing a particular product.

2). What are the key points on liability, performance and warranties for green energy- related technology or product?

In general, Thai law allows foreign law to govern the contract so long as such foreign law does not contravene Thai public order or good morals. Under Thai law (unless the contract provides otherwise), the seller will be held responsible if the product sold is defective or not functioning as intended. The liability for third party injury is governed by the provisions of wrongful act (tort).

3). Are there any nuances to expect in a contract with a Thai firm in regard to insurance?

There is no special concern in contracting with a Thai firm, except that local insurance policies must conform with the format prescribed by the Thai Insurance Commissioner. Foreign insurance firms operating in Thailand are also subject to the same regulations as Thai insurers.

4). What are the basic import duties and documentation for green energy- related technology or product?

Import duty rates are contained in the Customs Tariff Code which more or less follows the Brussels Nomenclature. List of import documentation in general includes import entry declaration form, bill of lading, invoice, packing list, import license (If any), certification of origin (for import duty reduction/exemption) and other necessary documents as may be required from time to time (e.g. product catalogue).

Companies may also apply for special privileges from the Board of Investment (BOI) for the installation of solar cells.  The privileges comprise the exemption of corporate income tax for certain years and exemption of import duty.

5). As some companies may be owners of green technology related software rather than hardware, is there any patent protection in this regard?

Thai Patent Act Section 9(3) stipulates that a computer system or program (“software”) is not patentable. Despite section 9(3) restriction, it may be possible to patent a software-related invention.  If the software-related invention shows sufficient “technical effects”, it will then be considered as an exception to section 9(3) and become patentable.  Under the current practice, “technical effects” means that the software must be used together with a hardware resource and be able to yield technical results, not merely capable of processing raw data.

All in all, one should consult a patent attorney on this, related description and claims should be carefully analyzed along with an explanatory letter highlighting the technical effects of the invention. Under this method, it is possible to obtain a patent protection for one’s software-related invention.

Our society has been depending on energy for centuries, we use energy to power our houses, phones or businesses. This has led to an ever-increasing demand for energy. To ensure secured and sustainable sources of energy in the future, we must continue to develop new technology to support our energy needs and green energy could be one of the paths forward. The Q&A’s provided herein deal with some of the basic points to keep in mind when operating in Thailand. For more information, please contact: law@ilct.co.th.

By:

Chart Chotiphol

Counsel/Business Development

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Covid-19 Grace Period for Intellectual Property (IP) related Prosecution

Covid-19 Grace Period for Intellectual Property (IP) related Prosecution

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As Covid-19 (“Coronavirus”) continues rampage through the country, Thailand Department of Intellectual Property (“DIP”) will be allowing applicant/owner to file a request for a grace period extending the usual deadline. This grace period is preliminary provided for those who is directly affected by Covid-19. Further explanations are below.

What does this Covid-19 grace period cover?

Everything that is under the administration of DIP, including: patents, petty patents, design patents, trademarks, geographical indications and topography of integrated circuits.

This grace period will apply to all IP related prosecution process, such as: application deadline, opposition deadline, registration deadline, office action deadline or any payment deadline.

Who can apply for this?

The owner/applicant.

How does this work?

For individual, he/she must submit relevant documents showing evidence of sickness and treatment of Covid-19. In short, documents showing that Covid-19 has directly affected the ability to handle IP prosecution.

For company, it must prove that Covid-19 has directly impact and hinder the handling process of the related IP prosecution process. If the CEO or director became ill from Covid-19, he/she can submit related medical document on behalf of the company.   

It is uncertain whether agent/lawyer can make a similar claim. At this time, it would seem that DIP will only allow a request made directly by the applicant/owner.

What are the required documents?

  • Copy of the passport of the affected person (important);
  • Medical certificate showing Covid-19 infection (important);
  • Document proving resident within Covid-19 outbreak areas (important);
  • Document verifying high-risk individual, close proximity of the infected or close proximity to those returning from high-risk areas;
  • Any document that may prove direct impact from Covid-19 outbreak;
  • Document verifying Covid-19 infection or outbreak have ended (important);

It is unclear as to how the Thai examiner/registrar will review these documents. Nonetheless, we have marked the important documents that should be submitted, and we will further discuss with the examiner/registrar if this is the case.

What happen after I submit the documents?

Once submitted, the examiner/registrar will review the request on a case-by-case basis. If approved, the applicant/owner will be granted a 30 days extension from the approval date. On the other hand, if the request is rejected, the applicant/owner can file an appeal within 15 days from the decision date. Once again, it is uncertain as to how DIP will calculate the dates.  

Our recommendation

Avoid applying for a Covid-19 grace period unless it is necessary. Seeing multiple uncertainties, including document criteria, deadline on top of examiner/registrar own discretion, it may not be beneficial for owner/applicant to use this. There are considerable risks involve, if the request should fail it may subsequently cause the related IP matter to lapse.

Overall, we recommend that applicant/owner/agent maintain the formal deadline and prepare ahead of time. Our firm has implemented a work-from-home protocol and we are ready to assist you. If you have further question or concern, please contact ipgroup@ilct.co.th.

By:

Chart Chotiphol

Counsel/Business Development

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Thailand COVID-19 Related Tax & Relief Policies

Thailand COVID-19 Related Tax & Relief Policies

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As of January 26, 2021, the Thai Cabinet has announced a series of tax and relief policies (“Announcement”) in an effort to ease the ongoing economic impacts from COVID-19. The current Announcement includes three main policies, these include (1) Reduction of Land & Building Tax (2) Reduction on Real Estate Related Fee, and (3) Extension to File Tax Return. Further details are listed below.

(1). Reduction of Land & Building Tax

Land and Building Tax payment for the year 2021 shall be decreased by 90% for the following land types:

  1. Land or building for agricultural purpose;
  2. Land or building for residential purpose;
  3. Land or building for other purposes (excluding 1 and 2);
  4. Vacant/unused land or building.

Moreover, the collection of Land and Building Tax for 2021 has also been extended by an additional 2 months. The original tax payment deadline by April 2021 has now been extended to June 2021.

(2). Reduction on Real Estate Related Fee

The transfer registration fee for real estate has been reduced to 0.01% (from previously 2%) and the mortgage registration fee has been reduced to 0.01% (from previously 1%). The mentioned reduction policies shall be valid until December 31, 2021 and shall be eligible for the following:

  1. The purchase of a new residence, including: land with detached house/semi-detached house/row house or commercial building and condominium unit;
  2. Real estate purchase from land developer or registered condominium operator;
  3. Real estate price that does not exceed THB 3,000,000 per unit.

(3) Extension to File Tax Return

  1. Filing of 2020 personal income tax return (i.e. PND. 90 or PND.91) via e-filing system has been extended to June 30, 2021 (from previously March 2021);
  2. Filing of withholding tax return (i.e. PND. 1, PND.2, PND.3, PND.53 or PND. 54) for January – May 2021 via e-filing system has been extended to the last day of the following month (from previously the 7th of the following month);
  3. Filing of value added tax return (i.e. Por.Por. 30 or Por.Por. 36) for January – May 2021 via e-filing system has been extended to the last day of the following month (from previously the 15th for Por.Por. 30 and the 7th for Por.Por 36 of the following month).

All and all, taxpayers are encouraged to stay up to date with the latest relief policies to ensure the full benefits. We will keep you posted on further relief policies announced by the Thai Government. For further inquiry or assistance, please contact law@ilct.co.th.

By:

Chart Chotiphol

Counsel/Business Development

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Thailand: Conditions on International Flights during COVID-19 Pandemic

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To flatten Thailand’s COVID-19 curve, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (“CAAT”) had imposed a ban on all international flight entering Thailand since April 3, 2020. Nevertheless, seeing the stabilization of the local cases and effective social distancing protocol for the past months, Thailand will be resuming international flight, effective from July 1, 2020.

According to CAAT’s Notification re: Conditions for International Flight Permit to Thailand, CAAT has stipulated several conditions for special flights and passenger flights inbound for Thailand.

To flatten Thailand’s COVID-19 curve, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (“CAAT”) had imposed a ban on all international flight entering Thailand since April 3, 2020. Nevertheless, seeing the stabilization of the local cases and effective social distancing protocol for the past months, Thailand will be resuming international flight, effective from July 1, 2020.

According to CAAT’s Notification re: Conditions for International Flight Permit to Thailand, CAAT has stipulated several conditions for special flights and passenger flights inbound for Thailand.

1). Special flights

The following types of aircraft are eligible for CAAT’s permission for incoming, outgoing, flyover and/or landing in Thailand:

  • State or military aircraft
  • Emergency landing aircraft
  • Technical landing aircraft (no embarking of passengers)
  • Aircraft on a humanitarian, medical or relief mission
  • Aircraft for repatriation
  • Cargo aircraft

2). Passenger Flights

For passenger aircraft to be given with CAAT’s permission, passengers or persons on board must be one of the following categories:  

  1. Thai nationals
  2. Person invited by the Thai government
  3. Non-Thai nationals, who are spouse, parents or children of a Thai national
  4. Non-Thai nationals holding a valid certificate of residence or permission for residence
  5. Non-Thai nationals holding a valid working permit, including spouse and children of the same
  6. Carriers of necessary goods (must depart immediately after the mission has been completed)
  7. Aircraft crew members (must have a complete travel itinerary)
  8. Foreign students, including parents or guardians of the same
  9. Foreign nationals seeking medical assistance/treatment in Thailand (excluding COVID-19)
  10. Diplomats, international organization representatives or foreign government representatives, including spouse, parents, or children of the same
  11. Foreign nationals with a special arrangement permitted by the Thai authorities

Passenger flights under the above conditions must also adhere to all local regulations (i.e. Thai immigration law, communicable diseases law, air navigation law, and the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situation). Additionally, all passengers must comply with all COVID-19 related screening process (e.g. COVID-19 RT-PCR), as well as, 14-day state required quarantine. Please refer to our previous article on Thailand’s COVID-19 immigration rules, procedures and required documents (see: Immigration Rules)  

We will provide further updates on further regulation, tourism related travel and travel bubble as the information becomes available in the near future. For any assistance, please contact us at law@ilct.co.th.  

By:

Chart Chotiphol

Counsel/Business Development

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Thailand Labour Corner: Impacts of Covid-19 on Employment

Thailand Labour Corner: Impacts of Covid-19 on Employment

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Right and Obligation for Employers and Employees

Confronting Covid-19 pandemic, both employers and employees face many new work-related challenges. Especially with its flu-like symptoms, employers have a duty to implement workplace health, safety and preventative protocols. Likewise, employees are also obligated to act with social responsibility, comply with health guidelines and work rules. This is a two-way street to control and reduce the Covid-19 chain-of-infection.

Under the Communicable Diseases Act B.E. 2558 (2015) (“CDA”), Labour Protection Act B.E. 2541 (1998) (“LPA”) and Occupation Safety, Health and Environment Act B.E. 2554 (2011) (“OSHEA”), both employers and employees should be aware of the below.

What employers should know:
• Employers are required to provide a safe and hygienic working environment, and must carry all related expenses;
• Employers must report all suspected Covid-19 infections within 3 hours upon discovery to related authorities (call “1422”);
• Employers may refer to their employment contract or exercise its managerial rights to request employee to work-from-home;
• Employers should consider special work rules for susceptible employees (i.e. older adults and immunocompromised); and
• Employers are entitled to issue a warning letter of suspension/termination to employee whom was found to violate specific work rules in relation to Covid-19 prevention protocol. For instance, if the work rules restrict traveling to high-risk countries, any action found to be in violation can be a serious ground for suspension or termination.

What employees should know:
• Comply with the health guideline and respect social responsibility. For example, imposing a 14-day self-quarantine after a trip to high-risk country as per the list set by the Ministry of Public Health and World Health Organization for the good of the public;
• Stay home and/or request to work-from-home when sick, but acting in good-faith;
• Employees are entitled to 3 days of sick leave without having to provide a medical certificate;
• Employees are also allowed 30 days of paid sick leave per year; and
• Employees may request voluntarily unpaid leave (upon employer’s discretion).

During these trying times, all must comply with the health guideline to put an end to this pandemic as soon as possible. Regardless of roles, employers and employees have duties to society as a whole. Act in good faith, observe the rules and help one another when needed.

In view of this turmoil, the Thai government is preparing multiple relief policies for both employees and employers, such as: social security contributions by the employers, Vat refund and tax incentives. We will provide further updates once the policies are in effect.

By:

Chart Chotiphol

Counsel/Business Development

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Amendment to Thailand’s Civil & Commercial Code

Amendment to Thailand’s Civil & Commercial Code

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As of June 9, 2020, the Thai Cabinet has introduced an Amendment to Thailand’s Civil & Commercial Code (“Amended CCC”). The Amended CCC was introduced to update both Civil & Commercial Code up to the current practice and standard. The Amended CCC has been approved by the Thai Cabinet and currently in the final stage of pending parliamentary approval.

Below are the key amendments to the Civil & Commercial Code (CCC):

  1. Formation of a partnership limited or company limited may now be applied at any Company and Partnership Registration Office as announced by the Thai minister (Section 1016);
  2. The Thai minister may also waive related fee and reduce the required documents to be submitted in relation to partnerships and limited companies (Section 1020/1);
  3. Memorandum of Association (“MOA”) will become void if a limited company fails to be established within a three-year period;
  4. MOA that had been registered prior to the enforcement of the Amended CCC and had exceeded the three-year period shall be granted a 180 days extension from the effective date of the Amended CCC, the said MOA will become void if it passes the extension period;
  5. Companies which have company seals must affix their company seals on all share certificates (Section 112);
  6. In support of the social distancing guideline (“New Normal”), the Board of Directors’ meeting may now be held without having to be present in person or in the same venue (unless restricted by company’s Articles of Association).
  7. Following (6), New Normal meeting must comply with all related Ministerial Regulations (i.e. Security Standard for Electronic Meetings issued by Thailand Ministry of Digital Economy and Society) and once complied, directors attending the Board of Directors’ meeting via electronic means shall be deemed present at the meeting and have the rights to vote (read more on this: here);
  8. Notice of shareholders’ meeting (i.e. Annual General Meeting and/or Extraordinary General Meeting) must be sent to all shareholders whose names are on the company’s share register book via registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt.
  9. Companies with bearer shares must still make an announcement via local newspaper in addition to sending the notice of shareholders’ meeting to all shareholders (Section 1175).

Overall, this Amended CCC was designed to further promote the ease of doing businesses in Thailand. Companies are encouraged to stay-up-to date on the latest amendments and regulations. For further details and updates, please contact us at law@ilct.co.th.  

By:

Chart Chotiphol

Counsel/Business Development

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สรุปสาระสำคัญของร่างพระราชบัญญัติแก้ไขเพิ่มเติมประมวลกฎหมายแพ่งและพาณิชย์

สรุปสาระสำคัญของร่างพระราชบัญญัติแก้ไขเพิ่มเติมประมวลกฎหมายแพ่งและพาณิชย์

News & Articles , ,

ล่าสุด เมื่อวันที่ 9 มิถุนายน 2563 ที่ประชุมคณะรัฐมนตรีได้มีมติเห็นชอบร่างพระราชบัญญัติแก้ไขเพิ่มเติมประมวลกฎหมายแพ่งและพาณิชย์ ภายใต้หลักการและเหตุผลที่ต้องการลดขั้นตอนของข้อกฎหมายในบางมาตราที่ไม่เหมาะสมกันกับสภาพการณ์ในปัจจุบัน เพื่อให้การดำเนินธุรกิจของทั้งหุ้นส่วนและบริษัท มีความคล่องตัวมากขึ้น และสอดคล้องต่อการนำเทคโนโลยีในปัจจุบันมาใช้ในการปฏิบัติงาน และดำเนินธุรกิจได้มากยิ่งขึ้น อีกทั้งยังเป็นการเสริมสร้างศักยภาพในการแข่งขันของประเทศ เป็นการสร้างภาพลักษณ์ที่ดีในการประกอบธุรกิจในประเทศไทยที่มีความสะดวกรวดเร็ว และง่ายขึ้น ซึ่งจะไปสอดคล้องกับตัวชี้วัดของธนาคารโลก (Word Bank) และเป็นผลดีต่อการประเมินความยากง่ายในการประกอบธุรกิจในประเทศไทย ทำให้มีการพัฒนา และยกระดับความสามารถในการแข่งขันขององค์กรธุรกิจให้ทัดเทียมนานาประเทศ

ลำดับ

สาระสำคัญของร่างพระราชบัญญัติ

หมายเหตุ

1.

กำหนดให้การยื่นขอจดทะเบียนห้างหุ้นส่วนและบริษัท สามารถยื่น ณ สำนักงานทะเบียนหุ้นส่วนบริษัท แห่งใดก็ได้ ตามที่รัฐมนตรีประกาศกำหนด

จะตรงกันกับมาตรา 1016 ที่ได้รับการแก้ไขเพิ่มเติมตามคำสั่งหัวหน้าคณะรักษาความสงบแห่งชาติที่ 21/2560 ลงวันที่ 4 เมษายน 2560 อยู่แล้ว

2.

กำหนดให้รัฐมนตรีมีอำนาจลด หรือยกเว้นค่าธรรมเนียมในการจดทะเบียน การขอตรวจเอกสาร การขอสำเนาเอกสารพร้อมคำรับรอง และค่าธรรมเนียมอื่นๆ ที่เกี่ยวข้องกับห้างหุ้นส่วนและบริษัท

จะตรงกันกับมาตรา 1020/1 ที่ได้รับการแก้ไขเพิ่มเติมตามคำสั่งหัวหน้าคณะรักษาความสงบแห่งชาติที่ 21/2560 ลงวันที่ 4 เมษายน 2560 อยู่แล้ว

3.

กำหนดให้หนังสือบริคณห์สนธิ ที่จดทะเบียนไว้สิ้นผลลง หากมิได้ดำเนินการจดทะเบียนจัดตั้งบริษัทภายในสามปี

ส่งผลดีต่อผู้ประกอบธุรกิจรายอื่นที่ประสงค์จะใช้ชื่อบริษัทที่ซ้ำกับชื่อบริษัท จดทะเบียนของหนังสือบริคณห์สนธิที่สิ้นผลนี้ ต่อไปนี้สามารถนำไปใช้ได้

4.

กำหนดให้มีการประทับตราบริษัทในใบหุ้นทุกใบ เฉพาะในกรณีที่บริษัทมีตราประทับ

เพื่อเพิ่มความชัดเจนของมาตรา 1128 เดิม ตามคำสั่งหัวหน้าคณะรักษาความสงบแห่งชาติที่ 21/2560 ที่ระบุเพียงว่า “ในใบหุ้นทุกๆ ใบ ให้กรรมการอย่างน้อยหนึ่งคนลงลายมือชื่อเป็นสำคัญ”

5.

กำหนดให้การประชุมคณะกรรมการสามารถดำเนินการได้ด้วยเทคโนโลยีอย่างหนึ่งอย่างใด ซึ่งทำให้กรรมการไม่จำเป็นต้องปรากฎตัวในที่ประชุมก็ได้ เว้นแต่ข้อบังคับของบริษัทจะกำหนดห้ามไว้ ทั้งนี้การจัดประชุมดังกล่าวต้องเป็นไปตามหลักเกณฑ์ วิธีการ และเงื่อนไขที่กำหนดไว้ในกฏกระทรวง และให้ถือว่ากรรมการ ซึ่งใช้การติดต่อสื่อสารนั้น ได้เข้าร่วมประชุมกรรมการ และให้นับเป็นองค์ประชุม และมีสิทธิออกเสียงในที่ประชุมด้วย

เพื่อสนับสนุนให้การประชุมคณะกรรมการสามารถดำเนินได้ในรูปแบบการประชุมผ่านสื่ออิเล็กทรอนิกส์ ตามกฎกระทรวงที่จะออกและมีผลใช้บังคับ ซึ่งคาดว่าน่าจะสอดคล้องกับมาตรฐานการรักษาความมั่นคงปลอดภัยของการประชุมผ่านสื่ออิเล็กทรอนิกส์ ที่ออกโดยกระทรวงดิจิทัลเพื่อเศรษฐกิจและสังคม พ.ศ. 2563 ลงวันที่ 12 พฤษภาคม 2563

6.

กำหนดให้การส่งคำบอกกล่าวเรียกประชุมใหญ่ผู้ถือหุ้น ให้ส่งทางไปรษณีย์ตอบรับไปยังผู้ถือหุ้นทุกคนที่มีชื่อในทะเบียนผู้ถือหุ้นของบริษัทเท่านั้น ถือว่าเป็นการส่งคำบอกกล่าวโดยชอบด้วยกฎหมาย เว้นแต่ในกรณีที่บริษัทมีหุ้นชนิดที่ออกให้แก่ผู้ถือ ให้ส่งด้วยวิธีการโฆษณาในหนังสือพิมพ์แห่งท้องที่เพิ่มเติมด้วย

เดิมมาตรา 1175 กำหนดให้ส่งทั้งทางไปรษณีย์ตอบรับ และลงประกาศโฆษณาในหนังสือพิมพ์

7.

กำหนดบทเฉพาะกาลรองรับกรณีที่มีการจดทะเบียนหนังสือบริคณห์สนธิก่อนวันที่พระราชบัญญัตินี้ใช้บังคับ และเมื่อนับระยะเวลาตั้งแต่วันที่มีการจดทะเบียนหนังสือบริคณห์สนธิ จนถึงวันที่พระราชบัญญัตินี้ใช้บังคับแล้วมีระยะเวลาเกิน 3 ปี แต่ปรากฏว่ายังมิได้จดทะเบียนจัดตั้งบริษัท ให้สามารถดำเนินการจดทะเบียนบริษัทได้ภายใน 180 วัน นับแต่วันที่พระราชบัญญัตินี้มีผลใช้บังคับ

 

ทั้งนี้ ร่างพระราชบัญญัติฉบับนี้จะถูกเสนอต่อรัฐสภา เพื่อออกเป็นกฎหมายต่อไป หากต้องการสอบถามข้อมูลเพิ่มเติม กรุณาติดต่อสำนักงานที่หมายเลข 02-679-6005

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Thailand: COVID-19 Public Health Countermeasures

News & Articles

Communicable Diseases Law and Regulations

As of March 2020, COVID-19 (“Coronavirus”) has spared across to more than 50 countries in every habitable continent with at least 105,000 confirmed cases and raising. Responding to the crisis, the Thai government have made critical efforts to quell this looming threat.

To prevent further outbreaks, public health countermeasures were implemented to reduce the chain-of-infection and spread of Covid-19, of which include restriction, containment and prevention protocols. Effective from March 1, 2020, Covid-19 has been officially classified “dangerous communicable disease” by the National Communicable Disease Committee (“NCDC”). Proceeding this, the Ministry of Public Health has issued an announcement under Communicable Diseases Act B.E. 2558 (2015) (“CDA”) effectively enforcing public health countermeasures against Covid-19 outbreaks.

CDA Need-to-Know:

At present, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Thai government have deemed that the following countries are of “high-risks”, these include: Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Italy, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, India and Iran. The list is likely to grow in the coming weeks or even days.  

1). Personal Right and Responsibility

Under the CDA, it is expected that all, whether be locals or foreigners to observe social responsibility. As such, all should comply with the following:

  1. Avoid traveling to high-risk countries;
  2. Travelers arriving/returning from high-risk countries should consider a 14-day self-quarantine;
  3. Suspected infection or sign of related respiratory symptoms such as: coughs, sneezing, fever or any flu-like symptoms should be reported immediately;
  4. Follow appropriate health and hygiene guideline (i.e. regularly washes hands etc.); and
  5. Do not panic and refer to official health guideline/announcement.

2). Authorities of Health Officials

In compliance with the CDA, related authorities/officials/communicable disease control officer have the following authorities:

  1. To summon and question suspected individuals;
  2. May request health examination and quarantine specific to the disease’s incubation period (14 days for Covid-19);
  3. May enter domicile, dwelling or buildings (from sunrise to sunset or business hours) for the purpose of inspection, the inspection may continue until it is satisfied;
  4. May request to remove or destroy all suspect contaminated objects/properties;
  5. May order a temporary closure of a place of business, such as: market places, factories, theaters or educational institutions; and
  6. May request examination and quarantine those entering the Kingdom of Thailand.

Failure to comply with the order of a communicable disease control officer will result in fine, imprisonment or both.

In the absence of vaccines and antiviral drugs, public health countermeasures are of utmost important to keep Covid-19 from further spreading. The current restriction, prevention and surveillance protocols are necessary to understanding Covid-19 and ultimately halt the pandemic. The current pandemic forces society to confront many difficult challenges, many of which transcend legal, scientific or ethical implications. Although it is important to respect individual rights, but compliance is necessary to protect the public health interest as a whole.

By:

Chart Chotiphol

Counsel/Business Development

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