Magna Carta Law Firm > FAQ Section > Thailand Copyright Act
Copyright Act of Thailand

FAQs Relating to Thailand Copyright Law

The Copyright Act of Thailand prohibits the reproduction, adaptation, and public dissemination of copyrighted materials. However, there are limited exceptions where use may be permitted, provided that the use does not conflict with the normal exploitation of the work or unreasonably prejudice the legitimate rights of the copyright owner. Merely giving credit or using the work for non-commercial purposes does not automatically make the use lawful.

 

What does copyright protect?

Copyright protects creative works such as articles, books, software, songs, pictures, drawings, and photographs.

Is merely mentioning the source or giving proper credit enough to avoid copyright infringement?

No. Simply mentioning the source or giving credit is not sufficient. The use must also not adversely affect the copyright holder’s rights or their normal exploitation of the work. Permission may still be required.

What types of using a picture or an article copied from the Internet require prior permission? What types do not?

Use of materials for commercial purposes generally requires prior permission from the copyright owner. Limited use may be allowed without permission for purposes such as personal study, education, research, criticism, or commentary, provided that:

  • the use is reasonable,
  • the amount used is appropriate,
  • the source is acknowledged, and
  • the use does not harm the copyright owner’s legitimate interests.

How should we respond to other people’s use of our copyrighted materials without permission?

Upon discovering infringement, you may:

  • send a warning or cease-and-desist notice,
  • file a complaint with the police,
  • file a lawsuit in court, or
  • seek mediation or dispute resolution services through the Department of Intellectual Property.

Can we download movies or songs from the internet and share them with our friends?

Downloading copyrighted content without permission is considered reproduction and generally requires authorization from the copyright owner. Even when downloading from licensed platforms that allow downloads, sharing the downloaded content with others is usually prohibited.

Can we copy articles or pictures from a website and post or share them on social media?

Articles and pictures are protected by copyright. Before copying or sharing them, you should review the website’s terms of use. Limited use may be allowed if:

  • only a small portion is used,
  • the use is non-commercial,
  • proper credit is given, and
  • the use is fair and does not harm the copyright owner’s economic interests. However, permission may still be required depending on the circumstances.

Will Internet Service Providers (ISPs), YouTube, or Google be liable for copyright infringement if a user uploads infringing content?

Generally, online service providers may avoid liability if they act promptly to remove infringing material after being notified by the copyright owner and comply with applicable legal requirements.

Need Legal Guidance on Copyright Matters?

Copyright issues can become complex, particularly when dealing with online content, business use, or cross-border disputes. If you are unsure whether your use of copyrighted material is lawful, or if your rights have been infringed, seeking professional legal advice is recommended. You may consult a qualified lawyer who can assess your situation, provide guidance, and represent you in negotiations, mediation, or court proceedings when necessary.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and regulations may change, and each case depends on its specific facts. You should consult a qualified lawyer for advice regarding your particular situation.

This content has been updated, reviewed and verified on April 2026 by:
Picture of Jira Chaisiri (Attorney-At-Law and Adviser)
Jira Chaisiri (Attorney-At-Law and Adviser)

Licensed Attorney-At-Law, The Lawyers Council of Thailand
He has over 40 years of legal practice in financial institutions and constitutional public agencies.