DEPA reveals digital content industry will grow 67% in 14, with a value exceeding 5 billion baht.

DEPA reveals data on the Thai digital content industry in 67, with a total value of 50,609 billion baht. Characters grew 196%, driven by the art toy boom and gaming recovering after two consecutive years of contraction.

September 2, 2568, Bangkok – DEPA reveals the results of its survey and assessment of the state of the Thai digital content industry for 2567, finding an overall recovery of 14%, with a total value of 50,609 billion baht. The character industry is outstanding, growing by leaps and bounds, 196%, driven by the continuous expansion of the art toy trend, while the gaming industry is beginning to recover after continuously contracting over the past two years.

The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), in collaboration with the Thai Digital Content Association (DCAT), the Thai Animation and Computer Graphics Association (TACGA), the Thai Game Software Industry Association (TGA), the Bangkok ACM SIGGRAPH Association, and IMC Outsourcing (Thailand) Co., Ltd., conducted a survey and assessment of the status of the Thai digital content industry (games, animation, characters, and e-books) for 2567 and forecasted three-year trends.

Ms. Kasama Kongsamak, Acting Deputy Director-General, Strategy and Security Group, DEPA The survey revealed that there were a total of 2567 entrepreneurs in the Thai digital content industry in 277, demonstrating the growth of the diverse digital content ecosystem and its potential for further development. This reflects the business opportunities and attractiveness of the Thai digital content industry. The continued entry of new entrepreneurs into the market demonstrates confidence in the industry's potential and effective government support.

Data from this survey demonstrates the solid foundation of the Thai digital content industry, which has maintained consistent and stable growth over the past several years. Analysis of the long-term growth trend from 2561 to 2567 shows an average annual growth rate of 10%, reflecting the strong and consistent expansion of the industry.

Ms. Kasama added that in 2567, the Thai digital content industry will have a total value of 50,609 billion baht, representing an average growth rate of 14% compared to 2566. This reflects stability and long-term development potential. Future projections suggest that the industry will continue to grow, with a total value of 51,291 billion baht in 2568 and 53,728 billion baht in 2569, with a potential increase to 56,414 billion baht in 2570. This growth is supported by several key factors, including technological advancements, the rapid expansion of the digital market, and public-private sector collaboration to support development. These factors will be key drivers in elevating the Thai industry towards its goal of becoming the region's leading digital content hub.

Although the number of industrial workers is expected to decline by an average of 1% to 7,688 by 2567, impacted by artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, demand for specialized skills remains high across all industries. The advent of AI is impacting every industry, particularly basic content production, motion graphics, and certain types of animation. However, it also opens up new opportunities for diverse content creation and precise customization to meet consumer needs. Industries need to adapt by developing skills that cannot be replaced by AI, such as creative thinking, project management, and the creation of unique intellectual property (IP).

The gaming industry recovers after two years of contraction, with continued growth expected.

Mr. Kittipong Duangdeepaisan, President of the Thai Game Software Industry Association The gaming industry is expected to be worth 2567 billion baht in 35,981, growing 5% after a continuous contraction between 2565 and 2566. The PC gaming market is being driven by the return of high-quality AAA titles, the growth of the work-from-home market, and the success of PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch.

As mobile platforms face fierce competition and increasingly cautious consumer spending, mobile game consumption value has decreased to 17,835 billion baht, while the creation of games with own intellectual property (IP) has a value of only 504 million baht, a 26% decrease from the previous year, reflecting the urgent need to support Thai IP creation to reduce reliance on imports.

The character industry is growing rapidly, responding to the global art toy trend.

Ms. Anita Tantasirin, Director of the Thai Digital Content Association The character industry saw the highest growth, reaching a value of 7,232 billion baht, a 196% increase from the previous year. This was due to the expansion of the character merchandising market, which grew by 506%, reaching a value of 6,078 billion baht.

The growth of the global art toy market has resulted in increased consumer demand for products linked to their favorite characters, particularly from leading brands like Pop Mart, Qposket, Nendoroid, Funko Pop, and Cosbaby, whose revenue has continued to grow. This growth reflects the potential of Thai entrepreneurs to produce high-quality products and their ability to adapt to international market demands.

The animation industry faces challenges from AI technology and competition.

Mr. Krit Na Lamliang, President of the Thai Animation and Computer Graphics Entrepreneurs Association The animation industry, valued at 3,432 billion baht, has contracted by 3% for the third consecutive year. The main reasons are intense competition from neighboring countries with lower labor costs, as well as the impact of AI technology replacing basic jobs.

Despite the challenges, Thai entrepreneurs still have an advantage in high-quality and specialized work. The animated film market is recovering with over 30 theatrical releases, with INSIDE OUT 2 generating the highest revenue of 148 million baht. CG/VFX contracting remains a key business, but it must adapt to the impact of AI and competition from studios in neighboring countries.

The e-book industry is growing steadily.

Ms. Kawita Phuksai, representative from the e-book industry He said that the e-book industry has slightly decreased, with a value of 3,963 million baht, a decrease of 0.21%, with the growth of E-books and E-Comics increasing by 6%, helping to compensate for the decline of Web Novels and Webtoons. However, most popular content is still imported and translated into Thai, especially from China, Korea, and Japan, while Thai writers have begun to create popular works such as BAD (LOVE), LIAR, and IT'S REAL, Khun Mor Pen Hero.

In addition, at the 2567 Thailand Digital Content Industry Survey and Assessment, a panel discussion titled "When Creativity Meets Code: Thriving in the AI ​​Era of Thai Digital Content" was held. DEPA and representatives from associations exchanged views on the Thai digital content industry's adaptation to the AI ​​era, particularly on the key issue of whether AI technology presents opportunities or obstacles for domestic entrepreneurs. This aligns with survey data showing the impact of AI across various industries. Association representatives shared their experiences in using AI in content production, explored ways to develop personnel skills to work effectively with AI, and fostered understanding of the creative use of AI instead of displacing it.

The forum also covered strategies for reducing imports and increasing exports of Thai content, a pressing issue given data showing continued high import dependence, particularly in the games and character industries. Representatives from the associations explored ways to build and develop strong Thai IP, exchanged experiences, expanded export markets in Southeast Asia, and discussed government support measures to reduce import dependence. Meanwhile, the DEPA, as the primary agency promoting the digital economy, presented its role and plans to support the industry in preparing for the digital age, including the development of projects and measures that will enable the Thai digital content industry to compete globally, create added value, and reduce dependence on foreign countries.

This seminar is an important platform to help shape the development of the Thai digital content industry in the AI ​​era and foster collaboration between the public, private, and educational institutions to drive the industry towards sustainability and strong future growth.

"DEPA and its joint operations units sincerely hope that the results of the 2567 digital content industry survey and assessment, along with the three-year trend forecast, will be useful in formulating policies and directions for the government's digital industry development in the National Economic and Social Development Plan. They will also serve as a crucial factor in informing private sector business planning decisions."

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