We would like to have some cameras facing the street but have heard that it is illegal to do so.

A friend texted my wife that showed a sign that you can put up stating you have CCTV cameras facing the street, apparently that makes it legal? I'm not so sure of that.

Have any of you heard of this loophole or is it still illegal.

Thanks.

CCTV can be a legal minefield due to the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) B.E. 2562 (2019) if it's covering anything other than your own property.

You can install CCTV on your own property for security (protecting your home, family, assets).
This is usually treated as a “personal/domestic activity” exemption under the PDPA.
So a camera covering your gate, driveway, or front yard is normally fine.

If your camera faces the street, these principles apply:

Legitimate purpose

Must have a clear, reasonable purpose (e.g. security)

Not for spying, harassment, or unnecessary surveillance

Proportionality / minimisation

You should avoid capturing more than necessary

e.g. Angle the camera to focus on your gate, not the whole street

Outward facing doorbell cameras are generally acceptable

No unreasonable intrusion into privacy

Thailand recognizes a general principle that filming others can infringe their personal space and rights

Businesses must post CCTV notices under PDPA!

For private homes:

If purely domestic → usually no notice required

If capturing public/others → posting a notice is recommended (and sometimes expected for compliance).

Our cameras came with CCTV "Warning" notices, they are still in my desk draw.