New qualifications for accountants under the Accounting Professions Act (effective 2026)

This update stems from an amended Ministerial Notification under the Accounting Professions Act B.E. 2543 (2000), redefining eligibility criteria and introducing mandatory competency testing for new accountants. 

This article summarises the updated qualification requirements, examination structure, and ongoing compliance obligations, along with the rationale behind these changes. 

Why it matters 

According to DBD, over 976,000 business entities in Thailand are required to prepare financial statements annually. However, many struggle to access adequately qualified accounting professionals. The new framework addresses this challenge by: 

• Establishing a baseline competency standard through national examination. 
• Strengthening regulatory oversight to reduce accounting errors and inconsistencies. 
• Supporting DBD’s transition to digital record-keeping and electronic submissions. 
• Enhancing public confidence in financial information, particularly for SMEs and startups. 

New qualification requirements (effective 1 January 2026) 

Under the revised framework, individuals applying for registration as an accountant must meet all of the following conditions:  

• Reside in Thailand and be proficient in the Thai language.  
• Possess good moral character, with no disqualifying criminal record under Section 39(3) of the Accounting Professions Act.  
• Hold a formal accounting qualification from an institution recognised by the relevant authority.  
• Hold active membership with the Federation of Accounting Professions (TFAC) or be listed in TFAC’s official professional registry for accountants.  
• Pass the new e-Accountant examination administered via an online platform prior to registration.  

This framework applies only to new applicants from 1 January 2026 onwards. Existing registered accountants are not subject to requalification but must comply with ongoing obligations. 

The e-Accountant examination 

New accountants must pass an online examination before registration. The exam structure is as follows: 

• 60 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 90 minutes.  
• Minimum passing score: 60%.  
• Coverage across four main areas:  
  1. Accounting Act and DBD regulations (30%)  
  2. Accounting Professions Act, including ethics and professional conduct (20%)  
  3. Basic accounting principles and financial reporting standards (30%)  
  4. Other relevant laws (20%)  

Successful candidates will receive registration valid for one year, with annual renewal subject to compliance with ongoing requirements. 

Ongoing obligations for all registered accountants 

All registered accountants, both new and existing, must comply with the following conditions:  

• Engagement and termination reporting 
  Notify DBD within 30 days upon starting or ending service with a business entity.  
• Annual status confirmation 
  Confirm active registration with DBD every year.  
• Client cap  
  Serve no more than 100 business entities per year.  
• Continuing professional development (CPD) 
  Complete a minimum of 12 hours of CPD annually, including at least 1 hour in ethics. CPD reporting must be submitted to DBD by 31 December each year. 
• Cancellation or reinstatement 
  Submit formal notice to DBD when suspending or resuming accountant status.  

Key takeaways for accounting professionals  

• Plan ahead 
  Those wishing to register as accountants from 2026 must pass the e-Accountant examination first.  
• Maintain ethical standards 
  A clean criminal and professional record is essential for eligibility and continued registration.  
• Track client engagements 
  Ensure the number of active engagements remains within the 100-client annual limit.  
• Stay current 
  Fulfil CPD requirements, including ethics training and submit learning reports annually. 
• Keep status active 
  DBD requires yearly confirmation and proper notification of any status changes.  

References (in Thai):  

• DBD Press Release (25 November 2025): Announcement specifying the qualifications and conditions for being an accountant, upgrading and promoting the accounting profession to be able to practice in accordance with the law. Retrieved from The Department of Business Development.  
• Announcement specifying the qualifications and conditions for being an accountant, upgrading and promoting the accounting profession to be able to practice in accordance with the law. Retrieved from The Department of Business Development Facebook page.