Thailand Launches Free Online PDPA Data Protection Course
Thailand's Personal Data Protection Committee has launched a free online learning platform offering courses on data protection for professionals and the public, with nearly 80,000 learners already registered since launch. The e-Learning sys
The Personal Data Protection Committee (PDPC) is expanding public access to data protection knowledge through its free "PDPC e-Learning" platform, an online learning system open to the public and professionals from all sectors. The platform allows users to learn about personal data protection at no cost, accessible from anywhere and at any time, eliminating financial and travel barriers. Learners can study flexibly on their own schedule, and upon completing the course and meeting requirements, they receive an e-Certificate from the PDPC to document their learning and support career and organizational development.
Pol. Col. Surpong Phlangkham, Secretary-General of the Personal Data Protection Committee, explained that PDPC e-Learning is an important mechanism to make data protection knowledge accessible and widely available to the public. The PDPC designed the curriculum for both professionals who collect, use, or disclose personal data and general citizens seeking to understand their rights and how to protect their information.
"PDPC e-Learning aims to remove barriers to learning—whether cost, time, location, or travel. Learners can study and manage their own schedules through our online system, and upon completion and meeting standards, they receive a certificate from the PDPC that can help develop their personal and organizational capabilities," Surpong said, noting the platform leverages digital technology to broaden access to data protection knowledge.
Surpong reported strong uptake since launch, with nearly 80,000 registered learners already exceeding initial targets, demonstrating significant public interest in learning about personal data protection. He added that in an era where digital technology and artificial intelligence play an increasingly large role in daily life, data protection should not be viewed merely as a legal burden or one department's responsibility, but rather as an organizational culture and shared responsibility across society—from collecting only necessary data to using it appropriately, maintaining security, and respecting data subjects' rights.
The PDPC curriculum contributes to raising Thailand's data protection standards nationally, as the knowledge gained helps reduce data breach incidents, close gaps that criminals might exploit, and build confidence in Thailand's digital economy and society. The PDPC will continue developing and updating the PDPC e-Learning curriculum to address evolving laws, technologies, and risk patterns, while expanding the knowledge base to all organizations and population groups.
