As the Thai government begins to gradually lift the restrictions that were implemented to minimize the health risks of the COVID-19 pandemic, the unprecedented economic impact of the disease continues to be felt across multiple sectors of the economy. Businesses have experienced a variety of challenges, including forced closures, supply chain disruptions, and severe declines in revenue as the number of customers has plunged. For the many businesses that lease space for their operations, one additional challenge is simply the ability to pay rent.

The intellectual property offices of Southeast Asia have implemented measures ranging from deadline extensions to expanded online services to cope with office closures and other issues brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Below, we summarize the responses in our jurisdictions. This information reflects the current status as of June 1, 2020, and is subject to change.Cambodia

On June 9, 2020, the Thai Cabinet approved a draft amendment to the Revenue Code to impose value-added tax (VAT) on e-service providers and e-platform operators with no presence in Thailand for payments received from users in Thailand. The VAT requirement is expected to apply to all forms of qualifying international e-service providers and e-platform operators, whether websites, smartphone applications, social media, or similar; and across a variety of businesses, from hotel booking sites to streaming media platforms. 

Two government agencies in Indonesia have issued guidelines that employers and employees should follow to ensure their workplaces can reopen and operate safely.The National Agency of Drug and Food Control has issued health and safety guidelines titled “Everything About COVID-19, Prevent COVID-19, Health for All,” with recommendations for social distancing, ventilation, cleaning, mask wearing, and other personal hygiene practices.

With the easing of lockdown restrictions in Thailand and the removal of stay-at-home orders, many employers have been proceeding with plans to transition employees from their temporary home offices back to the actual workplace.

On May 29, 2020, the government of Vietnam issued Resolution No. 84/NQ-CP, which mandates a number of economic relief and recovery measures in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures include, among others, the reduction of certain government fees and charges and the easing of some regulations on foreign employees, trade, and construction. Some highlights of Resolution 84 are discussed below.Reduction of Government Fees

On the morning of June 8, 2020, Vietnam’s National Assembly passed a resolution officially ratifying the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), with 100% of the members in attendance (representing 94.62% of all members) voting in favor. The EVFTA has been described as the most ambitious free trade agreement the EU has ever entered with a developing country, and will eliminate 99% of customs duties in both directions. The trade deal is also expected to improve access to service markets and the protection of intellectual property in Vietnam.