What are the implications of the new Personal Protection Data Privacy Act in Thailand for expats?

Question

Most probably haven't heard, but a new Personal Protection Data Privacy Act went into affect today. There's miminal information out there about it and the government has failed to clarify what is and isn't protected. Initially, it was stated that you could not take anyone's pictures in public without their permission, this includes police officers and public officials. From what I've read on Thai forums, the biggest complaint from people is that there is not an exemption for civil servants (you should be able to record a government officers in the mists of their duties). 

Are there any Thai attorneys in the group, or people who have a better understanding that could clarify the law for us?

Are there any Thai attorneys in the group, or people who have a better understanding that could clarify the law for us?

Ask Thailand · Answer

The new Personal Protection Data Privacy Act in Thailand has sparked confusion and concern among expats regarding its implications, particularly in relation to taking photographs in public. Initial reports indicated that taking pictures of individuals without their consent, including public officials, could be restricted. This has led to an outcry for clarification, especially concerning the rights to document government actions. Comments from the community suggest the law resembles Europe's GDPR, primarily affecting companies rather than individuals, but many still fear its potential consequences on everyday activities such as photography. There is an ongoing debate about the practicality and enforcement of the law, with some questioning its alignment with freedoms of expression and evidence in cases of misconduct.

Dan ********** · Answer

I thought it had to do with posting the pictures even if someone just happened to be in the background

Shayne ********** · Answer

It's basically Thai defamation laws in pictures and videos. Completely ludicrous!

Nick ********* · Answer

I had a Thai lawyer tell me once that he didn't want to explain Thai law to me because it changes all the time .

Nigel ********* · Answer

A lot of hysteria being pumped out about this. Basically GDPR.

Edgar ************ · Answer

Basically it means alternative locations will become increasingly more attractive as time goes on. Philippines, Cambodia & Indonesia.

Paul ******** · Answer

Just wow.

Tom ******* · Answer

That’ll be the end of those videos that you often see on Thai TV where cops pulled someone over and solicited bribes. Even though there’ll be actual evidence of wrongdoing by government officials, a cop, an immigration officer etc, you will be the one who will be fined for exposing wrongdoing. Our world becomes more Kafkaesque every day. Enjoy! 🙂

Jonathan ******* · Answer

This may help 🙂

[url redacted]

Geoff ********** · Answer

Here is a partial clarification from the Thai police.  Hopefully will get more clarity soon.  [url redacted]

Mark ****** · Answer

I'm no lawyer but what I read said it applied to companies/entities that store or process personal information/data, not individuals. Modeled after Europe's GDPR. Someone told me I would not be able to take a picture of a beach if there were people in the background. I don't believe that is accurate.

Darren ******* · Answer

I had a notice from Villa about it but that's all I've received. I did read that if you have a dash cam in your car you apparently have to now also have a sticker saying you have a dash cam...

What are the implications of the new Personal Protection Data Privacy Act in Thailand for expats?

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