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The gaming industry has experienced significant growth and transformation in recent years in Thailand. According to the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), the Thai digital content industry, which includes the gaming sector, was valued at over 40,000 million baht in 2022. The gaming industry alone contributed 34,000 million baht, accounting for 85% of the total value.
Previously, the Thai government actively supported the gaming industry through various initiatives. The “Thai Gaming Industry on the Global Stage” programme aims to enhance the skill set of the populace in game development and stimulate innovation among game developers.
This programme and other efforts reflect Thailand’s commitment to leveraging digital technology to drive economic growth and create opportunities for the younger generation. By focusing on these initiatives, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society aims to foster a robust and innovative gaming industry in Thailand, positioning it as a leader in digital innovation and gaming on the global stage.
During an event organised by one of the game companies, Mr Prasert Chandraruangthong, the Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DE), highlighted that the gaming industry is a pivotal segment of the Thai digital content industry. The Ministry of DE recognises the importance of supporting and promoting the gaming industry.
It aims to provide opportunities for children and youth to express their creativity and hone their digital technology skills. DEPA’s initiatives span the foundational to advanced levels of the gaming ecosystem, ensuring comprehensive development. Key initiatives include:
- DEPA Game On the Series: This initiative aims to inspire and transfer experiences from renowned gaming and IT industry figures to the younger generation. It has garnered significant attention, with more than 200,000 views across Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
- DEPA Game Accelerator Programme: This programme focuses on capacity building, nurturing, and developing the skills of Thai game developers through workshops, pitching sessions, showcases, and business matching events. Over three generations, it has accelerated more than 160 game companies and developers, resulting in business negotiations valued at at least 300 million baht.
- DEPA Game Online Academy: An online learning platform offering courses on game development from essential to advanced levels, accessible to students, the general public, and professional game developers. This platform provides free courses, making it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the gaming industry.
- DEPA Digital Startup Fund: This initiative involves investing in Thai game companies to support entrepreneurs during the growth stage. Each investment amounts to 5 million baht. This fund aims to stimulate innovation and growth within the gaming industry.
- Expanding into International Markets: DEPA has showcased Thai game developers globally. Notable efforts include exhibiting Thai games at the World Expo 2020 in Dubai and participating in Gamescom Asia 2023 in Singapore under the Thailand Pavilion in collaboration with DITP and TGA.
Mr Prasert Chandraruangthong also mentioned a policy to accelerate the creation and development of careers in the gaming and e-sports industries for over 80,000 Thai youths. This policy will generate economic activity valued at not less than 1,000 million baht. “The crucial role of the private sector in showcasing the creative potential of Thai game developers and helping to elevate the Thai gaming industry to an international level,” Mr Prasert Chandraruangthong stated.
“Leveraging digital technology to drive economic growth and create opportunities for the younger generation, these efforts underline Thailand’s commitment to becoming a leader in digital innovation and gaming on the global stage,” he concluded.
