Thailand Explores Ways to Strengthen Its Gaming Industry

linguollc
3 days ago
3 min read

Pheu Thai’s prime ministerial and MP candidate, Yodchanan Wongsawat, met with leaders from Thailand’s gaming industry in Bangkok on January 12 to discuss how the country can improve its role in the global digital economy.

The meeting included executives from the Thai Game Software Industry Association (TGA), as well as game developers, publishers, and platform operators. Together, they talked about the current challenges facing the industry and how Thailand could become a leading gaming centre in the region.

Industry representatives explained that Thailand’s gaming market is worth almost 40 billion baht. They said the sector has strong potential to grow, but only if it receives better and more targeted support from the government.

One of the main concerns raised was the legal framework that controls the industry. The TGA asked for a new Game Industry Act, saying that current laws are outdated. At present, gaming is still regulated under the Film and Video Act BE 2551, which many believe limits creativity and international competitiveness.

Industry leaders stressed that legal reform is necessary if Thai companies want to compete on a global level.

The discussion also focused on how gaming could support Pheu Thai’s wider soft-power strategy. Party representatives and industry leaders talked about possible partnerships that would include digital entertainment in Thailand’s long-term economic plans.

Yodchanan said that digital games should not be seen only as entertainment or business products. Instead, he described them as part of a broader technology ecosystem that connects creativity, innovation, and economic development.

He also highlighted the need for skilled workers in areas such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and information technology (IT). According to Yodchanan, these skills could help Thailand develop artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies.

In addition, he argued that the government should do more than offer grants. He suggested investing directly in key infrastructure, such as buying international intellectual property (IP) licences, supporting shared development platforms, and creating a state-backed “national champion” company to lead the market and train local talent.

Yodchanan believes these steps would strengthen Thailand’s technology sector and make the country more attractive to foreign investors.

In related developments, Thailand is expected to follow countries like Japan, South Korea, and China in formally recognising its digital gaming industry, as the proposed Game Industry Act moves closer to becoming law.

B2 Vocabulary List (with Definitions & Examples)

global digital economy Definition: The worldwide system of economic activity based on digital technologies and online services.Example: Many countries are investing in technology to compete in the global digital economy.
industry leaders Definition: People or organisations that have strong influence and experience in a particular industry. Example: Industry leaders met with the government to discuss future reforms.
regional powerhouse Definition: A country or organisation that is very strong and influential in a specific region. Example: South Korea has become a regional powerhouse in the gaming industry.
sector Definition: A part of the economy focused on a specific type of activity. Example: The technology sector has grown rapidly in recent years.
legal framework Definition: The system of laws and regulations that control an activity or industry. Example: An outdated legal framework can slow innovation.
outdated Definition: No longer modern or suitable for current conditions. Example: Many experts believe the current law is outdated and needs reform.
restrictive Definition: Limiting freedom or development. Example: Restrictive regulations can prevent small companies from growing.
soft power Definition: The ability to influence others through culture, ideas, and attraction rather than force. Example: Games and films are important tools of soft power.
intellectual property (IP) Definition: Creative ideas or inventions that are legally protected. Example: Popular game characters are valuable intellectual property.
state-backed Definition: Supported or funded by the government. Example: A state-backed company can help train local talent.

Discussion & Debate Questions (Using Target Vocabulary)

Comprehension & Opinion

Why do industry leaders believe Thailand needs a new legal framework for the gaming sector?
How could gaming help Thailand strengthen its position in the global digital economy?
Do you agree that current regulations are outdated and restrictive? Why or why not?

Critical Thinking

In what ways could the gaming sector become a regional powerhouse if it receives government support?
How might gaming contribute to Thailand’s soft power on an international level?
Why is it important to include gaming in long-term economic planning?

Debate

Should the government invest in state-backed gaming companies, or should the private sector lead development?
Is investing in emerging technologies like AI and VR more important than traditional industries?
Can digital games really be part of a country’s technological ecosystem, or are they mainly entertainment?

Applied / Personalised

What kinds of strategic infrastructure do you think Thailand needs to attract foreign investors?
Which skills should skilled professionals in the gaming sector focus on developing?
Do you think intellectual property is more valuable than physical products in today’s economy? Why?