Avoid penalties for unauthorized photo use in Thailand

Thailand Copyright Photo Law Penalties: What You Must Know

Using someone else’s photograph without permission in Thailand can result in serious legal consequences. Whether you run a business, manage marketing campaigns, or publish online content, it is important to understand the Thailand copyright photo law penalty and how to comply with local regulations.

 

Why Copyright Protection Matters in Thailand

 

Thailand’s copyright law protects the rights of individuals whose images are used without consent. The law covers both personal rights (the right to control the use of one’s image) and economic rights (the right to profit from that image).

Unauthorized use of a photo, especially for commercial purposes, can be considered both a civil and criminal offense.

Penalties for Unauthorized Photo Use in Thailand

 

The Thailand copyright photo law penalty depends on the circumstances:

    • General use without consent – Fine between 10,000 – 100,000 THB

    • Use for commercial purposes (e.g., advertisements, marketing materials, or product promotions) – Imprisonment from 3 months to 2 years and/or a fine between 50,000 – 400,000 THB

These penalties apply whether the photo is used in print, online, or other media formats according to Thailand’s Copyright Act B.E. 2537 (1994) as amended by the Copyright Act (No. 2) B.E. 2558 (2015).

For cases involving personal images, Thai PDPA rules may also apply, learn more in our PDPA compliance guide.

 

How to Legally Use Photos in Thailand

To avoid violating the law, follow these best practices:

  • Obtain written permission from the person in the photo or the copyright owner.

  • Use licensed images from royalty-free or Creative Commons-approved sources.

  • Sign a Model Release Agreement when taking or using photos that include identifiable individuals.

  • Keep usage records to prove you had consent in case of legal disputes.
 

Risks for Businesses and Content Creators

 

Using unlicensed or unauthorized images in advertising, social media, or websites can:

    • Lead to costly lawsuits and fines

    • Damage your brand reputation

    • Result in the removal or suspension of online content

 

Why Choose Lex Bangkok for Copyright Compliance

 

At Lex Bangkok, we assist businesses, photographers, and media professionals in navigating Thai copyright law. We provide:

    • Legal advice on using images and media content

    • Drafting and reviewing Model Release Agreements

    • Representation in copyright infringement disputes

📩 Contact our legal team today to ensure your marketing and content remain fully compliant with Thailand’s copyright laws.