Criminal Law in Thailand

Thailand made global headlines in 2022 when it became the first country in Asia to decriminalize cannabis. But as of June 26, 2025, the rules have changed dramatically. Recreational marijuana is now illegal in Thailand, and only medical use under a valid prescription is permitted. If you are an expat, tourist, or business owner in […]

If you have ever looked up a section of the Thai Criminal Code Annotated in English, you know the drill. You find scattered PDFs and outdated translations. There is little context. You also do not find Supreme Court decisions that show how the law works in practice.

We decided to fix that.

ThaiLawOnline is proud to launch the first free, bilingual, annotated Thai Criminal Code Annotated of Thailand. It is a complete digital resource covering all 429+ sections. It is fully up to date as of 2026. It includes the latest Amendment No. 30 (B.E. 2568/2025) which criminalized sexual harassment for the first time in Thai legal history.

Thailand’s military court system represents a parallel judicial structure that has significantly impacted both Thai nationals and expatriates, particularly following the 2014 military coup. It is important to understand when military jurisdiction applies. Knowing how these courts differ from civilian ones is also key. This knowledge is vital for anyone facing possible prosecution in Thailand. […]

The Criminal Procedure Code in Thailand (B.E. 2477, enacted in 1934) serves as the fundamental legal framework governing criminal justice proceedings in the Kingdom of Thailand. This law sets clear steps for investigating, prosecuting, and deciding criminal cases. It also defines the rights and duties of everyone in the criminal justice system.

Thailand’s drug laws are notoriously strict—one wrong move could mean years in prison or worse. As an expat, understanding them isn’t optional; it’s essential. Even a single pill can put you behind bars, while large-scale trafficking still attracts the death penalty. Recent reforms have adjusted limits and added rehabilitation options. The main point is clear. […]

Thailand’s abortion law has undergone its most significant overhaul in decades. For foreign residents, business travelers, and long-term tourists, understanding the new rules is important. This knowledge helps with personal choices. It also supports partners, friends, or employees facing an unplanned pregnancy and thinking about ending it.

Thailand, a country known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, unfortunately faces a significant challenge when it comes to its prison system. Overcrowding and human rights issues have been persistent problems in Thai prisons, capturing the attention not only of local authorities but also human rights organizations and the international community. This test wish to make you understand overcrowding in Thai prisons.

In Thailand, the legal age for selling alcohol is 20 years old. This is governed by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act B.E. 2551 (2008). According to Section 29 of this Act, it is prohibited to sell alcoholic beverages to individuals under the age of 20. Also, you can’t sell alcohol to a person who has lost consciousness due to being drunk. Section 30 details prohibited practices for selling alcohol, such as using vending machines or hawking.

Over the years, the Thai government has made continuous efforts to combat crime in the country. Multiple measures aimed at improving the safety and security of its citizens and tourists. These measures include increasing the number of police officers in the country, improving their training, and equipping them with modern technology to help them better handle crime.