Regulatory Framework for Autonomous Vehicles in Thailand: Navigating the Legal Landscape

Thailand Embracing Autonomous Driving Systems: A Look at the Regulatory Framework

In the midst of rapid technological advancements, autonomous systems are gaining traction in various sectors, including the use of automated driving or self-driving vehicles in Thailand. The evolution of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) has paved the way for the emergence of level 2+ autonomous vehicles (AVs) on national roads, with some instances of fully automated vehicles being used for cargo unloading at ports.

While countries like the US and many European nations have been proactive in developing policies and legislation to regulate autonomous driving systems, Thailand is still in its early stages of establishing a local legal framework for AVs. However, policymakers in relevant sectors are showing increased interest in adopting established regulatory concepts in this area.

The need to regulate AVs primarily revolves around safety and consumer protection. The current regulatory framework in Thailand focuses on two key elements that enable autonomous driving: hardware and software. Sensor devices and equipment used in AVs, such as LiDAR and millimeter-wave radar, are regulated under notifications issued by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).

While there is no specific standard for AV driving systems under Thai law, a recent industrial product standard was issued for low-speed automated driving systems (LSADS) under the Industrial Products Standards Act. This standard covers the role and functional model of LSADS services for intelligent transport systems and infrastructure facilities.

On the software front, autonomous driving systems rely on specific task artificial intelligence (AI) systems to process signal inputs from sensors and control the AV’s driving systems. Thailand’s AI regulatory regime is still in its early stages, with draft legislations introduced in 2022 that may impact AI for AVs.

In the absence of AV-specific laws, AV operations in Thailand are governed by general laws related to traffic, transport, consumer protection, and product liability. However, challenges arise in determining liabilities arising from the use of AVs, especially in cases where the driver does not have constant monitoring or control over the vehicle.

As Thailand moves towards adopting AV-related standards and regulations, considerations must be made for unique challenges specific to the country, such as pedestrian behaviors and local traffic conditions. Developing a comprehensive regulatory framework for AVs will be crucial to ensure their safe and efficient utilization while addressing liability issues and promoting innovation in the sector.