On January 9, 2024, Cambodia’s Ministry of Information (MOI) issued an official notification letter reminding the alcohol and advertising industries of past directives, instructions, and the MOI’s Code of Conduct surrounding alcohol advertising. The step comes as the MOI reports that they are seeing increased noncompliance in this area of advertising. In addition, several recent high-profile traffic accidents that involved drunk driving are likely serving as a trigger for the government to review its alcohol-related policies, including on advertising. Alcohol Advertising Rules and Limits The notification letter reminds the industry that there are limits to alcohol advertising, including: Advertising alcohol alongside potential prizes or undertaking “other activities that motivate, encourage, or entice people to overindulge on alcohol”; and Using women or minors to advertise alcohol. Furthermore, all alcohol advertising must also include the phrase “Don’t Drink and Drive” or “Drink Responsibly.” The notification letter explains that media outlets failing to comply with the instructions may be subject to penalties. Although the penalties are not clearly identified in reference to a specific law or regulation, it is possible that actions could include the consequences outlined under the agreement between each media outlet and the MOI, with potential suspension of the media license being an option in case of persistent noncompliance. However, this rather strong enforcement tool would only affect the media outlet that carries out the advertising rather than the alcohol producer that instigated the advertising. Penalties for the alcohol industry are not immediately clear, although it may be that the possible suspension or taking down of noncompliant advertising is considered a sufficient penalty for the time being. Past MOI Circulars and Letters The notification letter further reminds the industry to follow Circular No. 492 on Alcohol Advertisement (2014). It also references two notifications (Nos. 1134 and 1294) on the

As part of its membership in Lex Mundi, Tilleke & Gibbins has published an updated edition of its Guide to Doing Business in Thailand for 2023. This guide outlines the key factors for starting and operating a business in the Thai market. Issues covered include: Investment incentives Financial facilities Exchange controls Import and export regulations Structures for doing business Requirements for the Establishment of a Business Operation of the Business Cessation or Termination of the Business Labor legislation, relations, and supply Tax Immigration requirements This publication is part of Lex Mundi’s Country Guides series prepared by member firms in more than 100 jurisdictions worldwide. The guides serve as a useful resource for planning international business strategy and researching new markets. The full Guide to Doing Business in Thailand is available through the button below.

New regulatory requirements for medical device registration and notification in Laos are set to enter into force in the coming weeks under the plan found in Notification No. 9606 to implement Decision No. 1470/MOH on Registration and Notification of Medical Devices (Decision 1470). The notification, issued on October 25, 2023, by the Food and Drug Department (FDD) under the Ministry of Health (MOH), outlines the FDD’s strategic plan for phased-in registration and notification requirements for medical devices. In the first phase, starting January 1, 2024, the FDD will initiate the registration process for class C (moderate-high risk) and D (high risk) medical devices. Meanwhile, operators dealing with class A (low risk) and B (low-moderate risk) devices can continue applying for import permits without having to register the devices or notify the FDD. In the subsequent phase, starting January 1, 2025, operators will have to notify the FDD about class A devices and complete the registration process for class B devices. To prepare for these requirements, import-export companies in the pharmaceutical and medical products sector must submit a list of medical devices, including their classification based on the country of manufacture, to the FDD by December 15, 2023. This measure is aimed at enabling the FDD to streamline the collection, guidance, and preparation processes to ensure efficient registration within the set time frame. While import-export companies can still submit their lists after either December 15, 2023, or January 1, 2024 (the registration commencement date), registration may be delayed since the FDD will prioritize those who submit their lists by the December 15 deadline. The list of medical devices should encompass medical devices imported in the past as well as those intended for future import permission applications. During the initial registration stage (i.e., from January 1, 2024), import-export companies that are

Cambodia’s Ministry of Health (MOH) continues to increase awareness among the public and private sector of the need for strict healthcare regulations and strict enforcement to advance the quality of the country’s healthcare sector. In April 2023, the MOH issued a notification letter reminding advertisers of health products that they need to obtain a permit before advertising their products in Cambodia. On October 12, 2023, the MOH issued two press releases on continued noncompliance in the healthcare sector. The two press releases address the illegal advertising of both healthcare products and private healthcare services. The releases also address unlicensed healthcare professionals and general noncompliance by private healthcare services. These releases indicate that the MOH, in cooperation with local authorities, will substantially increase its enforcement efforts across Cambodia. Since October 12, several private healthcare clinics have had their operations closed and licenses suspended or revoked, signaling the ministry’s intent to enforce the legal framework. Noncompliant Advertising of Health Products The first press release focuses on the continued illegal advertising of health products and the advertising of unregistered health products. Health products include modern medicines, traditional medicines, health supplements, medical devices, cosmetics, and other products that prevent or treat diseases. The release highlights that the MOH has noticed ongoing unauthorized and illegal advertising, commenting that these are often found online and on social media. The noncompliant advertising referenced in the release includes advertising of health products without the required advertising permit, advertising products that are not properly registered with the MOH, and advertising by unlicensed companies and individuals. The MOH also states in the release that some advertisements are using inappropriate and noncompliant content that is not based on medical science and exaggerates the qualities of the health products—specifically mentioning skin-whitening cosmetics. The ministry’s press release also informs the public of