Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) is a major step forward in safeguarding personal data and aligning Thailand with global privacy standards. But while the law strengthens individual rights, it also places new responsibilities on businesses operating in the country. For many organizations, meeting these requirements is not simple.
Here are the top five PDPA compliance challenges that companies in Thailand face and why addressing them is critical for long-term success.
1. Understanding the Scope of the PDPA
Many businesses underestimate how broadly the PDPA applies. It covers any activity involving personal data — from collecting customer details for marketing, to employee records, to online tracking. Organizations often struggle to clearly map out what personal data they hold, why they hold it, and whether they are lawfully processing it. Without this understanding, compliance efforts can quickly become fragmented.
2. Obtaining and Managing Consent Properly
The PDPA sets strict rules for consent: it must be informed, specific, and freely given. Pre-ticked boxes, vague policies, or bundled consent are not valid. Many businesses still rely on outdated consent mechanisms, exposing themselves to regulatory risks. Beyond initial consent, companies must also manage withdrawals of consent, ensuring individuals can opt out easily and effectively.
3. Handling Data Subject Rights Requests
Individuals in Thailand now have the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict the use of their personal data. Businesses must respond within a specific timeframe, but many lack the systems to track and fulfill these requests efficiently. Mishandling a single request can not only trigger complaints to the regulator but also damage customer trust.
4. Cross-Border Data Transfers
In a globalized economy, data often flows outside Thailand, for example, to parent companies, cloud providers, or service vendors abroad. The PDPA imposes restrictions on these cross-border transfers, requiring assurances that the receiving country offers adequate protection. Many companies struggle to assess or implement these safeguards, especially when dealing with multiple jurisdictions.
5. Building a Culture of Compliance
Perhaps the biggest challenge is not legal, but organizational. Compliance requires more than policies on paper — it needs training, awareness, and buy-in at all levels. Employees must understand how PDPA affects their daily tasks, from handling customer data to responding to incidents. Without this cultural shift, compliance remains superficial, and risks remain high.
Conclusion
The PDPA represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Businesses that take compliance seriously can avoid penalties, reduce risks, and build greater trust with customers and partners. Those that delay may find themselves facing regulatory action or reputational harm.
At Data Excellium, we help leading organizations navigate PDPA compliance — from gap assessments, DPO support and training to acting as a Data Protection Representative for foreign companies. If your business needs guidance on meeting Thailand’s PDPA requirements, reach out to us — we’re here to help.