Thailand brings in ‘No ID, No Ads’ rule for social media advertisers

From 1 November 2026, anyone buying a paid advertisement on social media aimed at people in Thailand must first prove who they are. Under Thailand’s “No ID, No Ads” rule, platforms that receive payment for an ad shown in Thailand must verify the advertiser’s identity before the ad is allowed to go live.

The rule covers both Thai and foreign advertisers targeting Thai audiences, including individuals and companies. It does not cover ordinary social media posts. Platforms can check a government-issued identity document and confirm it belongs to the advertiser, for example by comparing facial images, or use an approved digital identity system. A check completed within the past year does not need to be repeated for every campaign.

The requirements come from a notification issued by Thailand’s Electronic Transactions Commission on 5 May 2026 and published in the Royal Gazette the same day, with a 180-day period before it took effect. Platforms must also keep the advertiser’s identifying information for at least 90 days after the advertising service ends, including details of a third party who paid for the ad where that person is different from the advertiser.

Why it matters

The measure is aimed at online scams. Thailand’s government says it wants paid advertising to be traceable, so that when a fraudulent ad appears, investigators can identify who was behind it. Platforms that fail to comply could lose safe-harbour protection and face joint liability for losses from technology-related crime, according to legal analysis of the rules.

The government has stressed that verifying an advertiser does not mean the product or service being advertised has been officially approved. Meta has told Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society Ministry that it is ready to comply, and the ministry said Meta would help explain the requirements to advertisers, particularly small and medium-sized businesses.

What happens next

Officials will monitor verification rates, reports of scam advertisements and how quickly platforms respond to complaints after the rule takes effect. Advertisers who have not yet completed verification may find their ads held back until the check is done, so businesses targeting Thai audiences will need to have their documents ready.

This article is for general information and education only. It is not legal or financial advice.

Sources

• https://www.bakermckenzie.com/en/insight/publications/2026/08/thailand-upcoming-social-media-advertisers-verification-requirements (Baker McKenzie, August 2026)
• https://idtechwire.com/thailand-to-require-advertiser-id-checks-on-social-media-from-november-1/ (ID Tech Wire, 26 October 2026)
• https://tech.aseancoverage.com/news/thailand-sets-november-1-start-for-social-media-advertiser-identity-checks/n2219 (ASEAN Coverage, 26 October 2026)