The Department of Intellectual Property is accepting opinions until 12 Aug 2026 to add one agency authorized to produce media for the disabled without copyright infringement, aiming to improve equal access to media and expecting implementation by October this year.
Mrs. Ornmon Supthaweetham, Director-General of the Department of Intellectual Property. She revealed that the department invites rights holders, people with disabilities, academics, government and private sector agencies, as well as interested citizens, to express opinions on the draft Ministry of Commerce announcement regarding the use of copyright infringement exemptions for the benefit of disabled persons who cannot access copyrighted works, B.E. 2569 (2026). This is to update the list of authorized or recognized organizations allowed to produce and provide media accessible to disabled persons as needed. Opinions can be submitted from now until 12 Aug 2026 via the department's website.www.ipthailand.go.thand the legal central system of the Office of the Council of State athttps://qr.ipthailand.go.th/2lLJQRVN
This public consultation arises because the Digital Technology Center for Learning Promotion under the Department of Learning Promotion has expressed interest in joining as an authorized organization to produce media for the disabled under copyright exemption laws. This would add one more organization to the current 14 authorized entities listed in the Ministry of Commerce’s announcement on "Use of Copyright Infringement Exemptions for the Benefit of Disabled Persons Unable to Access Copyrighted Works, B.E. 2562 (2019)." This allows copyrighted works to be developed or adapted into accessible media for the disabled, such as audiobooks, Braille books, or other accessible formats, without constituting copyright infringement.
“Under Thailand’s copyright law, there are exemptions for copyright infringement for the benefit of disabled persons. Authorized organizations listed in the Ministry of Commerce’s announcement are allowed to develop or adapt copyrighted works into accessible media formats for disabled persons without it being considered infringement. Since the Digital Technology Center for Learning Promotion seeks to join as an additional authorized entity, it is necessary to update the authorized organizations list and open public consultation as required by law to ensure transparency and genuine participation from all sectors,” she said.
Mrs. Ornmon added that the department will consider the feedback and suggestions received to revise the draft announcement accordingly. The process is expected to be completed and the announcement promulgated by October 2026.
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