Article 226/4: Rape Shield in Sexual Offense Cases
Statutory text (Thai original)
ในคดีความผิดเกี่ยวกับเพศ
ห้ามมิให้จำเลยนำสืบด้วยพยานหลักฐานหรือถามค้านด้วยคำถามอันเกี่ยวกับพฤติกรรมทางเพศของผู้เสียหายกับบุคคลอื่นนอกจากจำเลย
เว้นแต่จะได้รับอนุญาตจากศาลตามคำขอศาลจะอนุญาตตามคำขอในวรรคหนึ่ง
เฉพาะในกรณีที่ศาลเห็นว่าจะก่อให้เกิดความยุติธรรมในการพิจารณาพิพากษาคดี
English translation
In cases of sexual offenses, the defendant shall not adduce evidence or cross-examine with questions concerning the sexual behavior of the injured person with persons other than the defendant, except with the permission of the court upon application. The court shall grant permission upon the application under paragraph one only where the court considers that it will bring about justice in the adjudication of the case.
This English translation is provided for reference only and has not yet been firm-verified. Always rely on the Thai original.
Firm annotation
Section 226/4 is Thailand's rape-shield provision, sitting in Book 5 General Principles on evidence. It restricts a recurring defense tactic in sexual offense trials: attacking the injured person by exploring their sexual conduct with third parties. The default is exclusion, both for lead evidence and for cross-examination questions, and the only route in is judicial permission granted solely where it serves justice in adjudicating the case. The provision protects victims from re-traumatization and irrelevant character attack while leaving a narrow safety valve where the sexual history is truly probative.
Why this matters in practice
For a complainant, this section limits how far the defense can probe your private life at trial. For a defendant, any such line of questioning must be cleared with the court in advance by application, and permission is not automatic. Because sexual offense trials are sensitive and the evidentiary limits are strict, both accusers and accused benefit from advice on scope before the hearing. A private, structured conversation through an online consultation with a Thai lawyer can clarify what will and will not be allowed.
Foire aux questions
Un accusé peut-il interroger une victime sur ses anciens partenaires sexuels dans une affaire de viol ?
Non, ce n'est pas un droit. L'article 226/4 interdit la présentation de preuves et le contre-interrogatoire concernant le comportement sexuel de la victime avec des personnes autres que l'accusé, sauf autorisation du tribunal si cela est nécessaire à une décision équitable.
Comment le tribunal décide-t-il d'autoriser ou non de telles questions ?
Le tribunal n'accorde cette autorisation que s'il estime que l'admission des preuves ou des questions permettra de rendre justice dans le jugement de l'affaire ; par conséquent, les antécédents sexuels doivent être véritablement pertinents et ne pas servir à attaquer la réputation de la victime.
Guides connexes sur ThaiLawOnline
Citer cette section
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Citation simple
Criminal Procedure Code, s. 226/4 (Thailand) -
Citation académique
Criminal Procedure Code (Thailand), s. 226/4. ThaiLawOnline, https://www.thailawonline.com/fr/thai-criminal-procedure-code/section-226-4/ (accessed 1 septembre 2026). -
Citation thaïlandaise
ป.วิ.อ. มาตรา 226/4 -
Lien permanent
https://www.thailawonline.com/fr/thai-criminal-procedure-code/section-226-4/ -
Intégrer sur votre site
<blockquote cite="https://www.thailawonline.com/fr/thai-criminal-procedure-code/section-226-4/"><p>In cases of sexual offenses, the defendant shall not adduce evidence or cross-examine with questions concerning the sexual behavior of the injured person with persons other than the defendant, except with the permission of the court upon application. The court shall grant permission upon the…</p><footer>Criminal Procedure Code, s. 226/4 (Thailand): <a href="https://www.thailawonline.com/fr/thai-criminal-procedure-code/section-226-4/">ThaiLawOnline</a></footer></blockquote>
The Thai text is authoritative. The English is an unofficial translation by ThaiLawOnline, free to reuse with attribution.