Thailand: Contracts and Commercial Law

Thai arbitration law generally requires written consent to compel parties to arbitrate, yet certain circumstances allow arbitration agreements and awards to affect non-signatories indirectly. Recent Supreme Court judgments demonstrate how Thai courts handle the complex interplay between arbitration clauses, corporate separateness, and third-party obligations when non-signatories become involved in disputes.

Thailand has taken another step toward liberalizing its foreign business framework, exempting additional service activities and derivatives brokerage or agency businesses from the licensing requirements of the Foreign Business Act (FBA).

Thailand's Patent Office has recently tightened its examination standards for design patent applications containing text, numerals, trademarks, or symbols. While photographic representations with appropriate disclaimers may still be accepted, line drawings and CAD drawings face stricter scrutiny, potentially limiting protection for GUI designs, packaging, and labels.

Thailand’s Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) has released a revised draft Electronic Transactions Act (ETA) for public hearing from May 12, 2026, to June 15, 2026.

On May 8, 2026, the Thai government held a press conference to announce a coordinated, multiagency initiative to strengthen oversight and enforcement over products sold on online platforms.

Thailand's alternative dispute resolution (ADR) landscape has evolved significantly over the past decade. Legislative reforms such as the Dispute Mediation Act and expanded...

On 14 September 2022, a bill on the amendment to the Civil and Commercial Code (the "Bill") was approved by Parliament. In addition to the Bill, a law imposing criminal liability...

Following the Trade Competition Commission Notification on Guidelines for the Assessment of Unfair Trade Practices, made with respect to the Credit Terms for SMEs regarding goods and services dated 24 May 2021 ...

Indemnification clauses are common contractual provisions in many jurisdictions including Thailand, but enforcing them can be challenging in the eyes of Thai law.