The Forum on Data Governance in Thailand, held on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the Sigma Room (6th floor), Pullman King Power Bangkok, brought together experts from government agencies, academia, and private organizations to exchange their knowledge, perspectives, and experiences on data policymaking and the design of data governance systems in Thailand. The forum was hosted by LIRNEasia (an independent think tank working across the Asia Pacific), in collaboration with the Department of International Studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (Republic of Korea), Privacy Thailand, and the Institute of Public Policy Studies (IPPS), Thailand.  Funding support was provided by the International Development Research Centre (a Crown Corporation of the Government of Canada).

The Forum explored the inherent tensions that arise in governing data in light of competing interests and policy objectives – that of collecting, storing, using and sharing data to support development and growth objectives, and of protecting privacy and other human rights that are vital but can be violated through the release of data. LIRNEasia and affiliated researchers explored such tensions as well as the practical ways these tensions are resolved across seven countries – Thailand, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan and the Philippines. “Data governance” was defined broadly to include laws, policies, regulations, norms, standards and design of systems that all influence ways in which access to data can be increased or decreased.  The Forum also explored how European and global data governance models influence approaches in Asia.

Ms. Helani Galpaya, CEO of LIRNEasia opened the forum and pointed out the need to rationalize and balance the myriad of laws related to data.  She gave the example of copyright and personal data protection laws that are at times implemented without appropriate exemptions which then make it impossible to use artificial intelligence to analyse such data for national development purposes.

The discussions were divided into two sessions. The first session featured Mr. Pranesh Prakash, LIRNEasia’s Policy Fellow and Co-Principal Investigator, who presented an overview of regional research on data governance in South Asia and Southeast Asia. This was followed by a panel discussion titled “Data Governance – Challenges, Gaps, and Opportunities in the Regional Context,” featuring distinguished speakers: Dr. Ibrahim Kholilul Rohman, Senior Research Associate at Indonesia Financial Group Progress (IFG Progress), Mr. Oliver Xavier Reyes, a member of the Philippine Bar since 2002 and former editorial board member of the Philippine Law Journal and Ms. Ashwini Natesan, Research Fellow for Sri Lanka at LIRNEasia.

Associate Professor Dr. Jompon Pitaksantayothin, a leading expert in digital management and cyberspace regulation, presented findings from data governance in Thailand. Then Dr. Saliltorn Thongmeensuk, Senior Research Fellow, Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), moderated the second panel discussion focused on “Data Governance – Challenges, Gaps, and Opportunities in Thailand,” featuring visionary insights and exchanges from government and private sector. The speakers included Associate Professor Dr. Jompon Pitaksantayothin; Asst. Prof. Thitirat Thipsamritkul from the Faculty of Law, Thammasat University; Pol.Col.Dr.Siriphon Kusonsinwut, Deputy Secretary, General,  Personal Data Protection Committee; Dr. Monta Chayakonvikom, Director, Government Data Management and Integration, Digital Government Development Agency (DGA); Mr. Chalermphon Liaptawi, Director, Division for Promotion and Dissemination of the Right to Access Official Information, Office of Official Information Commission (OIC); and Dr. Sithon Kulradathon, Acting Director of the Policy and Strategy Division and Senior Digital Economy Strategist, Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA).

The Forum was organized with the purpose of raising awareness among stakeholders about the importance and necessity of data governance in Thailand – particularly for those new to the topic. The forum sought to enhance understanding of Thailand’s data governance landscape, facilitate dialogue on challenges, gaps, and opportunities within the current regulatory framework, and promote constructive discussion leading to actionable outcomes. It also aimed to encourage engagement with key agencies to enhance data governance for comprehensive, all-around benefits.

For those interested, the Thailand Country Report is available here.

Some coverage of the event is available at the following links:

National Thailand | Daily News Online | Thai Post | Khaosod | Matichon | Brand Age Online | BUGABOO.TV | The Thai Press | 1DigitalThailand | Asia Highlight News | Innews Online | Thai MLM News | CBNT Channel | Smart News Times

The research presentations shared at the forum are available below for your reference.

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