In brief
The Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) recently released an infographic outlining the evolution of Thailand’s regulatory framework for digital platform services under the Digital Platform Services (DPS) Decree from 2022 through 2025 and beyond. Covering 15 categories of digital platforms, the framework reflects a clear regulatory shift from foundational readiness to tighter service-standard enforcement, and now toward co-regulation. Recent subordinate regulations significantly raise expectations for platform registration, transparency, user protection, complaint handling, and self-regulatory mechanisms. These developments underscore the ETDA’s continued push for stronger accountability and a safer, more structured digital platform ecosystem in Thailand.
In more detail
Background
Following the full enforcement of the ETDA Notification on Additional Measures for Operators of Digital Platform Services in the Marketplace Category with Specific Characteristics under Section 18(2) B.E. 2568 (2025) on 31 December 2025, Thailand’s digital platform regulation entered a more intensive phase. This Notification marked a substantive shift in the ETDA’s regulatory approach, moving beyond baseline obligations toward more detailed operational standards, particularly for platforms with heightened risk or market impact.
Building on this shift, the ETDA subsequently published an infographic mapping developments in a multi-year regulatory framework covering 15 categories of digital platform services and their applicability with the subordinate regulations under the Royal Decree on the Operation of Digital Platform Service Businesses that are subject to Prior Notification, B.E. 2565 (2022) ("DPS Decree"). Many operational changes are now seen across platforms, such as clearer contact channels, identity verification procedures, improved complaint mechanisms, and enhanced product return and refund processes, reflecting not only the primary DPS Decree but also ETDA’s ongoing issuance of subordinate regulations, guidelines, and recommendations.
Key highlights
The ETDA infographic below displays the scope of platforms’ applicability with each subordinate regulation, ranging from the online marketplace, sharing economy, online communication, social media, advertising service, audio-visual and music sharing, searching tools, news aggregators, maps, web browser, virtual assistants, operating system, hosting services, cloud service, and internet service provider.
Remark: Please keep in mind that where the 
is indicated for each platform category, this does not necessarily mean the platform has no legal obligations under such subordinate regulation. Rather, it may indicate that the platform is not directly covered by that particular notification or recommendation. Detailed analysis of each regulation remains essential.
(Unofficial Translation) Overview of the notifications under the DPS law and the platform’s applicability
Key regulatory milestones from 2022-2025, and the ETDA’s direction going forward
The ETDA’s regulation of digital platform services has developed in clear stages, with each phase building on the previous one and steadily increasing expectations for platform operators.
- Initial Phase (2022) – Foundational readiness:
- Launched the Business Notification System
- Issued basic rules on content moderation
- Reviewed management to build a transparent, verifiable database of platform operators
- Intermediate Phase (2023-2024) – Service standards. The ETDA tightened enforcement by introducing:
- Mandatory platform registration
- Enhanced user-remedy processes
- Improved terms and conditions (T&Cs) transparency
- Regulated ads, COD practices, and standard-required products
- Introduction of the "ETDA DPS NOTIFIED" trust mark
- Current and Future Phase (2025 onward) – Co-regulation:
- Four new notifications targeting online marketplaces and ride-sharing platforms
- Enhancing user protection
- Increasing oversight
- Establishing structured self-regulation
- Promoting a safer digital ecosystem
We urge operators to pay close attention to developments under the ETDA and prepare for compliance.
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Aue-angkul Santirongyuth, Associate, and Kornravee Thumpisut, Paralegal, have contributed to this legal update.