Patentable Inventions in Thailand Under Article 9 of the Thai Patent Act B.E. 2522: A Comparative Analysis with Global Patent Regulations
Patents are a fundamental component of Intellectual Property (IP) law, providing inventors with exclusive rights to their innovations. However, the criteria for what constitutes a patentable invention vary across jurisdictions,…
Marriage Equality Act Published in the Royal Gazette
On September 24, 2024, the highly anticipated Marriage Equality Act was published in the Royal Gazette, marking an important milestone for Thailand’s LGBTQ+ community. The act will come into force 120 days after its publication.
New Regulations Aim to Improve Cybersecurity Training and Set Minimum Standards for Cloud Security
This article aims to provide an overview of the recent National Cyber Security Committee (NCSC) announcements published in the Royal Gazette, covering cybersecurity training and cloud security.
New Thai Legislation Bolsters the Battle Against Cybercrime
Technology devices and social media have become integral parts of daily life. Despite their many benefits, they also bring challenges such as fake news and cybercrimes.
Sustainability-themed ICOs: Regulations Amended by the SEC
This legal summary provides an overview of new regulations outlined in SEC notifications effective from June 1st, 2024, concerning the issuance of sustainability-themed digital tokens. The summary is intended for all token issuers in Thailand looking to offer investors opportunities to invest in digital assets linked to sustainability projects.
Visa Exemption for Nationals of 93 Countries and Territories in Thailand
Issued by the Department of Consular Affairs, Thailand
Date: 15 July 2024
In accordance with the regulations of the Kingdom of Thailand, nationals of 93 specific countries and territories are eligible for visa exemption under certain conditions. This exemption applies for purposes such as tourism, business engagements, urgent work, or ad-hoc work, allowing a stay of up to 60 days.
Real Estate Rights Under the Marriage Equality Act
Building upon the earlier overview of the law (https://www.ilct.co.th/marriage-equality/), this article delves deeper into the implications of the Marriage Equality Act on real estate rights for LGBTQ+ couples in Thailand. It focuses on two key aspects: condominium acquisition and land ownership.
Advancements in Thailand’s Marriage Equality Legislation of 2024
Thailand has witnessed significant social progress in recent years, with growing societal interest in enhancing the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals. In response to this momentum, there has been a social movement to legalize same-sex marriage and elevate family and civil rights for LGBTQ+ individuals through amendments to the Thai Civil and Commercial Code (“CCC”), known as the “Marriage Equality Act” (the “Act”).
Legal Developments in Thai Real Estate: Facilitating Foreign Ownership
On June 21, 2024, the Cabinet Secretary’s office introduced urgent economic measures aimed at revitalizing Thailand’s economy through the real estate sector. Central to these measures is a proposal to relax regulations governing foreign ownership of properties. This initiative comes in response to a letter from the Cabinet Secretary dated April 9, 2024, emphasizing the government’s commitment to stimulating economic growth via real estate development and positioning Thailand as a global industrial hub.
Thai Cabinet Approves Comprehensive Tax Measures to Revitalize Domestic Tourism
In a significant move towards enhancing the domestic tourism sector, the Cabinet has endorsed a series of tax measures tailored to ignite domestic tourism on June 4, 2024. These measures, meticulously crafted, are purposed to not only facilitate the sustained recovery of the Thai tourism industry but also to stimulate domestic tourism and fortify the domestic economy. The multifaceted approach of these measures encompasses two distinct components as follows.
Consumer Protection: Laws and Regulations Governing Product Recall
This legal summary provides an overview of the laws and regulations governing product recalls in Thailand under the Consumer Protection Act, B.E. 2522 (1979). It aims to guide business operators on mandatory steps, recommended practices, and compliance requirements when conducting product recalls within Thailand.
Summary of Changes to Countries and Territories Entitled for Visa Exemption and Visa on Arrival to Thailand
In accordance with the regulations governing visa policies and international agreements, notable modifications have been made regarding exemptions and visa-on-arrival privileges for various nationalities, from May 9, 2024. The following adjustments are to be duly noted:
Unlocking Innovation: Expedite Your Thai Patent Approval for Competitive Advantage
Innovation is the fundamental pillar of achievement in the rapidly evolving business landscape. It is essential for both emerging entrepreneurs and established industry players to safeguard their intellectual property to sustain a competitive advantage. However, the patent application process in Thailand, like many other countries, involves a variety of examination and review phases.
Cabinet-Approved Personal Income Tax Measures for Investment Tokens
On March 12, 2024, the Cabinet made significant strides in fiscal policy by endorsing tax measures designed to stimulate fundraising activities utilizing digital tokens for investment purposes, termed Investment Tokens. This legal article provides a comprehensive examination of the ratified tax measures, elucidating their ramifications and objectives within the framework of nurturing the digital economy in consonance with governmental directives.
Empowering the Future: Cabinet Extends Tax Relief Measures for Digital Assets Trading
In a notable development on February 6, 2024, the Cabinet announced its resolution to extend tax relief measures for digital asset trading, providing a lifeline for individuals and juristic entities involved in the realm of cryptocurrencies (“Cryptos”) and utility tokens. The Value Added Tax (VAT) exemption for transfers of Cryptos and utility tokens has been extended from December 2023 to January 1, 2024, onwards.
SEC Enhances Digital Asset Regulations to Promote Growth and Protect Investors
On March 2, 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Thailand took a significant step forward by approving amendments to the regulatory framework governing digital assets during its Board Meeting No. 5/2566.
Cabinet Approval of Alcoholic Beverage Tax Reductions and Exemption for Tourism Enhancement: An Examination of Excise and Customs Tax Revisions
On the 2nd of January 2024, the cabinet granted its approval for substantial tax reductions and exemptions on alcoholic beverages, marking a strategic initiative to fortify the tourism sector. These tax amendments, expected to take effect shortly, include alterations to both Excise Tax and Customs Tax frameworks.
Overview of Long-Term Residency (LTR) Visas in Thailand by ILCT & BOI (Latest regulations Dec 2023)
ILCT is delighted to have partnered with a distinguished representative from the Board of Investment in producing an informative and insightful video that explains Thailand’s new Long-Term Residency program.
Personal Income Tax on foreign-sourced income brought into Thailand by Thai tax residents
The Revenue Department has recently announced changes to the taxation of foreign-sourced income brought into Thailand by Thai tax residents. Previously, Thai tax residents who earned income abroad would not be subject to personal income tax if the taxable income was not brought in within the same tax year that it was earned.
Amendment to the “HOTEL” definition and criteria to accommodate operators with small unique accommodations
In a significant legal development, the Minister of Interior, acting on the recommendations of the Hotel Business Promotion and Control Committee, has issued the “Ministerial Regulation on Hotel Business Types and Criteria (No. 2) B.E. 2566 (2023),” hereinafter referred to as the “New Regulation.”
Digital Tax Ecosystem: Thailand’s Steps to Tax Compliance and Preventing Fraud
In pursuit of fully leveraging the Digital Tax Ecosystem by 2028, Thailand’s Revenue Department has rolled out regulations related to digital systems.
Investing in Thailand: A Legal Overview for Japanese Outbound Investors
Thailand maintains its position as a popular destination for foreign investment, with a stable economy, favorable investment climate, and strategic location in Southeast Asia. In 2022,…
Thailand’s Royal Decree Announces Tax Exemptions for Digital Token Corporate Transfers
On March 6, 2023, in a significant move, the Thai Cabinet approved tax measures pertaining to Digital Investment Tokens.
Thailand Approves Corporate Income Tax and Value Added Tax Exemptions on Investment Tokens
The Cabinet recently approved a corporate income tax and VAT exemption on the public offering and trading of investment tokens in both primary and secondary markets.