If you’re a business owner looking to promote your brand with an advertising sign, and are concerned about the legal requirements, this article is here to help. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the advertising sign regulations in Thailand, explained in a clear and easy-to-understand format.
This article provides an overview of the legal framework in Thailand. The information is for general guidance only and is not a substitute for professional legal advice.
Types of Advertising Signs
First, let’s examine the different kinds of signs you can install.
- On-Building Signs: These signs are installed on a building’s roof, facade, or rooftop. They are typically large and visible from a long distance. Because they require a significant installation budget, they are ideal for advertising products or services that need to reach a large number of people.
- On-Ground Signs: Unlike on-building signs, these are installed on a pole or other structure on the ground. While they may be seen by fewer people due to their smaller size and more limited viewing distance, their installation costs are also significantly lower.
Understanding the Legal Framework in Thailand
Each year, many legal cases arise from improper sign installation, often due to a lack of knowledge regarding the existing regulations. Therefore, it’s crucial to study the following laws before commencing your project.
The Building Control Act, B.E. 2522 (1979)
This act defines the criteria and conditions for building construction. Its core principle is found in Section 4, Paragraph 3, which defines an advertising sign as:
“A structure that is a sign or is built to mount or hold a sign to display text, images, or symbols for the purpose of advertising products, services, or various activities. The signs will have different characteristics and sizes depending on the advertising objective and the installation area. To install a sign with a size exceeding one square meter or a total weight, including its structure, exceeding ten kilograms, you must obtain a permit from local authorities.”
Ministerial Regulations on the Control of Signs, B.E. 2558 (2015)
Another important set of regulations for business owners is the Ministerial Regulations on the Control of Signs. This document provides additional details about advertising signs, including:
- On-Building Signs: The sign must not extend beyond the outer wall of the building. The top of the sign must not be higher than 6 meters from the roof or rooftop of the building where it is installed.
- On-Ground Signs: The sign’s height must not exceed the distance measured from the installation point to the center of the public road (and must not exceed 30 meters). It must not be longer than 32 meters and must be at least 4 meters from any neighboring property.
- The structure built to mount the sign must be made entirely of fireproof materials.
- The sign must not obstruct visibility or block light from public utilities.
- The sign must not cause damage to the building or location.
- Anyone wishing to install an advertising sign must obtain a permit from a local official by submitting an application and supporting documents. Failure to follow the rules may result in legal penalties.
The Sign Permit Application Process
Anyone who wishes to install an advertising sign must first get a permit from a local official. Here are some important details to help you prepare for a legally compliant installation.
Sign Characteristics
- Stability: The sign must be strong and stable, not prone to falling or collapsing.
- Public Safety: It must not obstruct public utility lighting or visibility.
- Structural Integrity: It must not cause damage to the building or surrounding area.
- Electrical Safety: It must not be dangerous to the public, for example, by causing electrical short circuits or exposed wires.
Sign Location
- Traffic Flow: The sign must not obstruct traffic.
- Clarity: It must not block road signs or traffic signs.
- Public Safety: It must not be a danger to the public, for instance, by causing a car accident.
Sign Materials
- Durability: The materials must be durable enough to withstand various weather conditions like rain, wind, and sun.
- Environmental Impact: The materials should not cause pollution, such as toxic substances or dust.
- Public Safety: The materials should not be a danger to the public, for example, by shattering into small, sharp pieces.
Required Documents
To apply for a permit, a business owner who wants to install an advertising sign must prepare the following documents:
- Proof of identity (e.g., a national ID card or passport)
- Proof of residence
- Letter of consent from the property owner (if you are not the owner)
- Technical drawings or blueprints for the sign installation
- Proof of payment for the application fee
Choose a High-Quality LED Display Provider
Now that you understand the legal aspects of advertising signs, the next step is installation. If you are looking for a provider of high-quality indoor LED displays for your business, consider DEFG.
We are a premier provider of comprehensive LED display solutions. We offer high-quality, internationally certified LED displays at a great value, along with excellent after-sales service to meet your business’s every need.
Feel free to browse our full product catalog of LED displays and related accessories on our website.
