The Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry is committed to driving Thailand’s gaming industry onto the global stage and establishing the country as a gaming hub in Southeast Asia.
The ministry is pursuing the passage of the Gaming Industry Promotion Act, which would be the first law of its kind in Southeast Asia. The bill already passed a public hearing.
DES Minister Chaichanok Chidchob said the local gaming industry is valued at more than 35 billion baht and continues to grow.
He said this proves games are no longer just about the act of playing — they are ready to transcend mere entertainment and transform into learning opportunities, fostering creativity and providing future careers.
Thailand has one of the largest populations of gamers in Southeast Asia, along with the Philippines and Indonesia, and ranks third globally in terms of the number of gamers, said Mr Chaichanok.
He said the government must accelerate development of the gaming industry for stable and sustainable growth.
Mr Chaichanok spoke at Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show 2025, which opened yesterday at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center and ends tomorrow. The event combines Gamescom Asia with Thailand Game Show.
“We believe in Thailand’s potential, in the country’s gaming industry, and in the power of public-private partnerships,” he said.
Mr Chaichanok said the Gaming Industry Promotion Act not only provides a regulatory framework, but is also a tool to create opportunities and enhance the potential of the country’s gaming industry, fostering sustainable growth and global competitiveness.
“What you love today can truly become a stable career tomorrow,” he said.
“In addition to providing entertainment, games can create future careers, helping everyone to grow together.”
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said during the event’s opening Thailand is a key player in the region’s gaming industry.
The local gaming market has expanded rapidly at a rate of 10% a year, said Mr Ekniti.
Thailand has more than 32 million gamers, indicating it has a large and highly resilient consumer base, he said.
This large consumer market means the potential for Thai intellectual property revenue generation is enormous, said Mr Ekniti.
“Enhancing our gaming industry will enable us to compete and tap into the global gaming market, which was estimated to be worth US$300 billion last year, reaching more than $600 billion by 2030,” he said.
Mr Ekniti said the government’s “Quick Big Win” policy wants to turn industry challenges into opportunities.
The gaming and digital content industries could become pillars of investment in the future, or new S-curve areas for the country, he said.
The government is investing in people and technology, training Thai workers in digital skills such as game creation and artificial intelligence.
Mr Ekniti said he plans to urge the prime minister to push the development of stakeholders in the gaming sector through government policies that enhance their capabilities.
