General
Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property Partners with YouTube to Protect Traditional Music
Thai authorities are collaborating with YouTube to address errors in automated copyright claims affecting traditional Thai music that has entered the public domain.
According to a report by Prachachat Business on August 19, 2026, Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) has initiated discussions with YouTube and relevant agencies to resolve issues regarding automated copyright claims on traditional Thai music. These compositions, which have expired copyrights and are considered public domain, have been incorrectly flagged by automated systems.
To address this, the DIP has outlined four primary strategies. These include enhancing the efficiency of the automated rights verification system, adopting international data standards, and establishing a comprehensive database for traditional works. The goal is to prevent the wrongful restriction of cultural content that should be freely accessible to the public.
For residents and travelers, this initiative is significant as it aims to preserve the accessibility of Thailand’s cultural heritage online. If these systems are corrected, users may encounter fewer restrictions when accessing or sharing traditional Thai music on digital platforms.
While these measures are currently being developed, it remains to be confirmed how quickly these technical adjustments will be implemented and whether they will fully resolve the issues across all digital platforms. The DIP continues to work with stakeholders to ensure that traditional Thai music remains protected as a public asset.