On September 2, 2025, the Ministry of Public Health released an announcement concerning the Advertising of Medical Devices in National or International Academic Exhibitions or Academic Conferences That Are Exempt from Needing Permission B.E. 2568.
The regulation, issued under the authority of the Medical Device Act B.E. 2551, sets out specific conditions under which advertising approval is no longer required, with the aim of encouraging growth in Thailand’s domestic medical device industry
Scope
This announcement defines the circumstances in which medical device companies may advertise their products at academic exhibitions or conferences without seeking prior permission from the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It applies to both national and international events that are academic in nature and meet the defined thresholds for participation and organisation.
Key Points
Medical devices may be advertised without prior permission if the following conditions are met:
- Eligible Events: The exhibition or conference must be national or international in scale, clearly identified as such, and focus on academic content. It must host at least 100 participants and welcome audiences from around the world. Events must be organised by a government health agency, the Thai Red Cross Society, or a recognised Royal College or related medical institution.
- Advertising Restrictions: Advertisements are permitted only during the official duration of the exhibition or conference, and only at the venue where the event is held.
- Device Limitations: The exemption does not apply to medical devices falling under Section 6(11) or Section 46 of the Medical Device Act B.E. 2551, nor may advertisements contravene Section 59 of the Act.
- Registration Requirement: Details of the exhibition or conference—including its name, date, location, and organiser contact information—must be registered with the Thai FDA before advertising is carried out.
For all medical device advertising outside the scope of this exemption, the rules under Chapter 7 of the Medical Device Act B.E. 2551 remain in effect.
Attachment
See the Ministry of Public Health Announcement Regarding Advertising of Medical Devices in National or International Academic Exhibitions or Academic Conferences That Are Exempt from Needing Permission B.E. 2568, available on the Thai FDA official website.
Effective Date
The announcement came into effect on September 3, 2025, the day following its publication in the Government Gazette.
Implications to Clients
This update benefits medical device companies and distributors seeking to promote products at academic exhibitions and conferences. Fulfilling the outlined conditions enables businesses to advertise without obtaining prior approval, thereby streamlining participation in important industry events.
However, companies must ensure compliance with all criteria and register the event with the Thai FDA in advance to make use of the exemption. Proper planning and adherence will enable stakeholders to leverage these opportunities while remaining fully compliant with Thai medical device advertising laws.
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