Category: Criminal Law
Victims of Fraud in Thai Criminal Law
A fundamental issue that arises in Thai criminal law is whether a certain person directly affected by a crime may be considered a victim of that crime. This issue is particularly important because in Thailand, as in other countries that follow the European Continental Law tradition, victims are allowed to join the prosecution as a […]
Defenses to Defamation
Under Thai law, defamation is generally the act of imputing something regarding a person to a third person that is likely to damage the reputation of that person. Unlike in some other jurisdictions where the act of defamation only carries civil liability, defamation is a criminal offense in Thailand punishable by up to one year […]
Types of Criminal Punishments in Thailand
If you commit a crime in Thailand, the Thai Criminal Code lists several possible punishments. This article gives a short review on the possible punishments, that are included in the Thai Criminal Code. According to section 18 of the Criminal Code, the possible punishments that may be imposed are: Death Imprisonment Confinement Fine Forfeiture of […]
Domestic Violence Law in Thailand
Domestic violence is not only a crime, but a serious social problem that is inadequately addressed by normal civil and criminal laws. For example, in a case involving child abuse, criminal law would only allow for the imprisonment of the offending parent for assault, without any consideration for the effects to the overall family unit. […]
Intellectual Property Prosecution in Thailand
Piracy and counterfeiting is prevalent in Thailand. In any major city in Thailand, pirated movies, music, and software can easily be located where tourist congregate. Counterfeit bags, clothing, and shoes are found in the many night markets in Thailand. For many western tourist, the purchasing of counterfeit items is part of the Thai experience. They […]
Criminal Trespass Under the Thai Criminal Code of B.E. 2499 (1956)
Under the Criminal Code of B.E. 2499 (1956), trespass is defined as a criminal offense in which there are different manners that the offense can be committed. For example, under Section 362, trespass can be committed where a person enters into immovable property belonging to another in order to take possession of the property in […]
Copyright Infringement in Thailand
In Thailand, copyright infringement is a criminal offense under the Copyright Act of B.E. 2537 (1994) that may be punished with a prison term if the offense was committed for commercial purposes. Therefore, as with all criminal offenses in general, it is important to allege, not only that the accused committed the deed, but also […]
Thai Copyright Law: Fact or Fiction?
When people think about copyright, most people do not think of Thailand. With illegal DVDs, fake luxury purses, and counterfeit male enhancement pills lining the streets of Bangkok, it is easy to understand why there is a misunderstanding as to copyright law in Thai. But there is a copyright law in Thailand with selective enforcement. […]
Sex Crimes in Thailand
Thailand has a reputation of being a place of sexual freedom. The reality is that most Thai people are very conservative and modest. However, there are some red light areas which cater to a particular segment of tourists, foreign expats, and Thai men. In these businesses, sexual morality is flouted and sex oriented businesses are […]
Defamation in Thailand – Natural Fruits Corporation vs. Andy Hall
International news is filled with the criminal defamation case brought by Natural Fruit Corporation, one of Thailand’s largest pineapple processors, against Andy Hall, a British labor rights activists. The charges can carry up to an eight-year prison sentence and a USD$10 million fine. Mr. Hall made allegations that Natural Fruit Corporation used violence, force overtime, […]
