{"id":80,"date":"2026-03-07T06:23:39","date_gmt":"2026-03-06T23:23:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/defamation-defenses-supreme-court-decisions-thailand\/"},"modified":"2026-11-02T23:11:54","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T16:11:54","slug":"defamation-defenses-supreme-court-decisions-thailand","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/defamation-defenses-supreme-court-decisions-thailand\/","title":{"rendered":"\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e15\u0e48\u0e2d\u0e2a\u0e39\u0e49\u0e04\u0e14\u0e35\u0e2b\u0e21\u0e34\u0e48\u0e19\u0e1b\u0e23\u0e30\u0e21\u0e32\u0e17\u0e43\u0e19\u0e1b\u0e23\u0e30\u0e40\u0e17\u0e28\u0e44\u0e17\u0e22: \u0e04\u0e33\u0e15\u0e31\u0e14\u0e2a\u0e34\u0e19\u0e02\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e28\u0e32\u0e25\u0e0e\u0e35\u0e01\u0e32 \u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e15\u0e48\u0e2d\u0e2a\u0e39\u0e49\u0e04\u0e14\u0e35\u0e42\u0e14\u0e22\u0e2d\u0e49\u0e32\u0e07\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e08\u0e23\u0e34\u0e07 \u0e41\u0e25\u0e30\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e04\u0e38\u0e49\u0e21\u0e04\u0e23\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e08\u0e32\u0e01\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e1f\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e23\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e40\u0e1e\u0e37\u0e48\u0e2d\u0e1b\u0e34\u0e14\u0e1b\u0e32\u0e01 (Anti-SLAPP)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Being accused of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/glossary\/defamation\/\">defamation<\/a> in Thailand does not mean automatic conviction. Thai law provides multiple defences under the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/thai-penal-code\/\">Criminal Code<\/a>\u00a0and Criminal Procedure Code. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/glossary\/supreme-court-dika\/\">Supreme Court<\/a> of Thailand (\u0e28\u0e32\u0e25\u0e0e\u0e35\u0e01\u0e32, San Dika) has also developed important principles through landmark decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide covers every available defence against defamation charges in Thailand. It includes the statutory defences under Sections 329 to 331, the truth defence, the anti-SLAPP provisions, and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/glossary\/prescription\/\">statute of limitations<\/a>. It also summarises the decided cases that matter, naming the court in each one, and answers the question most people arrive with: whether reporting someone to the police is itself defamation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"police-complaint\">Is Reporting Someone to the Police Defamation in Thailand?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Short answer: a complaint to the police can satisfy the elements of criminal defamation, but Section 329(1) protects you if you complain in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/glossary\/good-faith\/\">good faith<\/a> to protect a legitimate interest of your own.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Section 326 is committed by imputing something to another person <em>before a third person<\/em>. The officer who takes your complaint is a third person, which is why complainants are sometimes prosecuted for making one. Section 329(1) is the answer to that. A person who, in good faith, expresses an opinion or a statement \u201cby way of self-justification or self-defence, or to protect a legitimate interest of his own according to righteousness\u201d is not guilty of defamation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two recent Supreme Court decisions treat the police complaint as the proper channel, and both refused the Section 329(1) defence to a defendant who went around it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Decision 655\/2567 (2024).<\/strong> A man who said a neighbour\u2019s son had pointed a firearm at him and his daughters circulated a written account of it instead of going to the police. The Court held that the conduct he alleged was a criminal offence, that he could have made a police complaint and asked the court for a warrant to search for and seize the firearm, that this was reasonable and easily done, and that he never did it. Because he had also embellished and distorted what he had actually been told, the statement could not be good faith under Section 329(1). Conviction affirmed.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Decision 321\/2568 (2025).<\/strong> The banner case described in section 7 below. The Court rejected Section 329(1) and (3) in terms: if the defendant considered the complainant\u2019s conduct unlawful, the defendant could have exercised his rights through the justice process.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The practical rule is the reverse of what most people fear. <strong>Taking an allegation to the police is the protected route. Publishing it instead of taking it there is what loses the protection.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The protection is not unconditional, and it is good faith that does the work. On these decisions it fails where you embellish or distort what you actually know, where you have no factual foundation and are complaining to injure rather than to protect an interest, and where you carry the same allegation beyond the officials whose job it is to deal with it. Both decisions above turned on the defendant choosing an audience instead of a channel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Speaking publicly after you have used the channel is a different question, and it can still be protected.<\/strong> In <strong>Decision 509-510\/2553<\/strong> a resident of Bang Muang sub-district complained in writing that a candidate for the sub-district council had used a forged house registration in his application. The District Chief of Mueang Nakhon Sawan did not have the complaint investigated and did not answer when the resident chased it. The resident and a local newspaper editor then published that the District Chief was sitting on it. The Supreme Court held that as a resident he had a legitimate interest in how the sub-district organisation was run and in who sat on its council, so the article was good faith to protect that interest and fair comment as well. Not guilty under Section 329(1) and (3): the Supreme Court affirmed the Region 6 Court of Appeal, which had reversed the trial court&#8217;s conviction (one year and 21,000 baht each, reduced to eight months and 14,000 baht and suspended).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A false complaint carries its own liability, separate from defamation.<\/strong> Section 172 punishes giving false information about a criminal offence to a prosecutor or an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/glossary\/inquiry-official\/\">inquiry official<\/a> with up to two years or 40,000 baht or both. Section 173 punishes reporting an offence to an inquiry official <em>knowing that no offence was committed<\/em> with up to three years and 60,000 baht. Section 174 raises that to five years and 100,000 baht where the false report is made in order to have someone punished. Section 137, the general provision for false statements to an official, is six months or 10,000 baht, or both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Two defences that do not apply to a police complaint.<\/strong> Section 331 is confined to a party or a party\u2019s lawyer speaking in the proceedings of a case in court, so it does not reach a police station. Section 330 is weaker than its reputation: proving the imputation true means you are <em>not punished<\/em>, not that you committed no offence, and proof is not even admitted where the imputation concerns a personal matter and proving it would not benefit the public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are on the receiving end of a complaint, note the clock. Defamation is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/glossary\/compounding-offense\/\">compoundable offence<\/a> (Section 333), and under Section 96 the case is barred unless the injured person lodges a complaint within three months of learning both of the offence and of the offender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img alt=\"Supreme Court Decision in Defamation in Thailand\" class=\"wp-image-25486 tlo-responsive-img\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/online-defamation-risks-thailand-social-media-law-infographic.webp\" style=\"width:600px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Defamation Laws in Thailand<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the underlying legal framework, see our pillar guide on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/defamation-laws-in-thailand-criminal-charges\/\">defamation laws in Thailand<\/a>. For online-specific issues, see our guide on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/online-social-media-defamation-thailand\/\">online and social media defamation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#police-complaint\">Is Reporting Someone to the Police Defamation in Thailand?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#overview\">1. Overview of Defamation Defences in Thailand<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#section-329\">2. Section 329: The Four Statutory Defences<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#truth-defence\">3. Section 330: The Truth Defence and Its Limitations<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#court-privilege\">4. Section 331: Absolute Privilege in Court Proceedings<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#anti-slapp\">5. Anti-SLAPP Protections Under the Criminal Procedure Code<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#limitation\">6. Statute of Limitations as a Defence<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#supreme-court\">7. Decided Cases on Defamation Defences<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#burden\">8. Burden of Proof in Defamation Cases<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#faq-defences\">9. Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"overview\">1. Overview of Defamation Defences in Thailand<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thai defamation law provides eight main categories of defence:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Good faith and legitimate interest (Section 329(1))<\/li>\n\n<li>Official functions (Section 329(2))<\/li>\n\n<li>Fair comment on public matters (Section 329(3))<\/li>\n\n<li>Fair reporting of court proceedings (Section 329(4))<\/li>\n\n<li>Truth in the public interest (Section 330)<\/li>\n\n<li>Absolute privilege in court proceedings (Section 331)<\/li>\n\n<li>Anti-SLAPP dismissal under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/thai-criminal-procedure-code\/section-161-1\/\">Criminal Procedure Code Section 161\/1<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Statute of limitations (three months for criminal defamation)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each defence has specific requirements established by statute and interpreted through Supreme Court precedent. Good faith is the overarching requirement for most defences. The defendant must demonstrate that the statement was not motivated by malice or personal animosity.<\/p>\n\n\n<style data-noptimize=\"1\">.tlo-lb{border:2px solid #1E3455;background:#fff;margin:28px 0;font-size:16px;line-height:1.55;color:#1b1b1b}.tlo-lb h2.tlo-lb-h{background:#1E3455;color:#fff;font-size:19px;line-height:1.3;margin:0;padding:12px 16px}.tlo-lb-tabs{position:relative;padding-top:44px;background:#fff}.tlo-lb-tab>summary{position:absolute;top:0;width:33.334%;height:44px;line-height:44px;text-align:center;font-weight:700;cursor:pointer;list-style:none;background:#eef0f4;color:#1E3455;box-sizing:border-box;border-bottom:3px solid #1E3455}.tlo-lb-tab>summary::-webkit-details-marker{display:none}.tlo-lb-tab:nth-of-type(1)>summary{left:0}.tlo-lb-tab:nth-of-type(2)>summary{left:33.333%}.tlo-lb-tab:nth-of-type(3)>summary{left:66.666%}.tlo-lb-tab[open]>summary{background:#fff;border-bottom-color:#FECB01}.tlo-lb summary:focus-visible,.tlo-lb a:focus-visible{outline:3px solid #FECB01;outline-offset:-3px}.tlo-lb-sec{padding:14px 16px;border-bottom:1px solid #dfe2e8}.tlo-lb-sec h3{font-size:17px;line-height:1.35;margin:0 0 4px;color:#1E3455}.tlo-lb-sec h3 small{font-weight:400;color:#555;font-size:14px}.tlo-lb-sec p{margin:0 0 8px}.tlo-lb-text{white-space:pre-line;border-left:3px solid #FECB01;padding-left:12px;margin:0 0 6px}.tlo-lb-note{font-size:13px;color:#555;font-style:italic}.tlo-lb-badge{display:inline-block;background:#FECB01;color:#1E3455;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;padding:1px 7px;margin-left:6px}.tlo-lb-fold{margin:0 0 8px}.tlo-lb-fold>summary{cursor:pointer;color:#1E3455;font-size:14px;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:6px}.tlo-lb-links a{margin-right:14px;font-size:14px}.tlo-lb-cases,.tlo-lb-src{padding:14px 16px;background:#f6f7f9;border-top:1px solid #dfe2e8}.tlo-lb-cases h3,.tlo-lb-src h3{font-size:15px;margin:0 0 6px;color:#1E3455}.tlo-lb-cases ul,.tlo-lb-src ul{margin:0;padding:0 0 0 18px;font-size:14px}.tlo-al{font-size:14px;line-height:1.5;color:#444;margin:0 0 18px}.tlo-al details{margin-top:4px}.tlo-al summary{cursor:pointer;color:#1E3455}.tlo-al ul{margin:6px 0 0 18px;padding:0}@media print{.tlo-lb{border:1px solid #000}.tlo-lb-tabs{padding-top:0}.tlo-lb-tab>summary{position:static;width:auto;height:auto;line-height:1.4;text-align:left;background:none;border:0}.tlo-lb details::details-content{content-visibility:visible;display:block}.tlo-lb-links a{color:#000}}<\/style><script data-noptimize=\"1\" data-no-optimize=\"1\">document.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",function(){(function(){var b=document.querySelectorAll(\".tlo-lb-tabs\");b.forEach(function(g){var t=g.querySelectorAll(\":scope>details\");t.forEach(function(d){d.firstElementChild.addEventListener(\"click\",function(e){if(d.open){e.preventDefault()}})})});var s=[];addEventListener(\"beforeprint\",function(){s=[];document.querySelectorAll(\".tlo-lb details\").forEach(function(d){s.push([d,d.open,d.getAttribute(\"name\")]);d.removeAttribute(\"name\");d.open=true})});addEventListener(\"afterprint\",function(){s.forEach(function(x){x[0].open=x[1];if(x[2]){x[0].setAttribute(\"name\",x[2])}})})})();});<\/script><section class=\"tlo-lb notranslate\" data-no-translation data-no-dynamic-translation translate=\"no\" aria-label=\"\u0e01\u0e0e\u0e2b\u0e21\u0e32\u0e22\u0e17\u0e35\u0e48\u0e40\u0e01\u0e35\u0e48\u0e22\u0e27\u0e02\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e01\u0e31\u0e1a\u0e2b\u0e19\u0e49\u0e32\u0e19\u0e35\u0e49\"><h2 class=\"tlo-lb-h\">\u0e01\u0e0e\u0e2b\u0e21\u0e32\u0e22\u0e17\u0e35\u0e48\u0e40\u0e01\u0e35\u0e48\u0e22\u0e27\u0e02\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e01\u0e31\u0e1a\u0e2b\u0e19\u0e49\u0e32\u0e19\u0e35\u0e49<\/h2><div class=\"tlo-lb-tabs\"><details class=\"tlo-lb-tab\" name=\"tlo-lb-1\" lang=\"en\" data-no-translation><summary>English<\/summary><div class=\"tlo-lb-sec\"><h3>Section 329<\/h3><p>A person who expresses an opinion or statement in good faith is not guilty of defamation in four situations: self-justification or protecting a legitimate interest, acting as an official on duty, fair comment on a matter open to public criticism, or fairly reporting open court or meeting proceedings.<\/p><details class=\"tlo-lb-fold\" open><summary>Full text<\/summary><p class=\"tlo-lb-text\">Whoever, in good faith, expresses an opinion or a statement:\n (1) by way of self-justification or self-defence, or to protect a legitimate interest of his own according to righteousness; (2) in the capacity of an official in the performance of his duties; (3) by way of fair comment on a person or a thing which is open to public criticism; or (4) by way of fair report of proceedings openly conducted in a court or at a meeting,\n is not guilty of defamation.<\/p><p class=\"tlo-lb-note\">ThaiLawOnline translation<\/p><\/details><p class=\"tlo-lb-links\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/thai-penal-code\/section-329\/\">Our annotated section<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/searchlaw.ocs.go.th\/council-of-state\/#\/public\/doc\/K2dTMURyaDllOXJVWVZqZGJLK09pdz09\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Official text<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"tlo-lb-sec\"><h3>Section 330<\/h3><p>A person charged with defamation is not punished if they prove the imputation was true. But proof of truth is not allowed where the matter is purely personal and proving it would not benefit the public.<\/p><details class=\"tlo-lb-fold\"><summary>Full text<\/summary><p class=\"tlo-lb-text\">In a case of defamation, where the person accused proves that the imputation alleged to be defamatory is true, that person is not punished.\n But proof is not admitted where the imputation alleged to be defamatory concerns a personal matter and the proof would not benefit the public.<\/p><p class=\"tlo-lb-note\">ThaiLawOnline translation<\/p><\/details><p class=\"tlo-lb-links\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/thai-penal-code\/section-330\/\">Our annotated section<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/searchlaw.ocs.go.th\/council-of-state\/#\/public\/doc\/K2dTMURyaDllOXJVWVZqZGJLK09pdz09\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Official text<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"tlo-lb-sec\"><h3>Section 326<\/h3><p>Defamation is making a statement about another person to a third party that is likely to damage that person&#039;s reputation or expose them to insult or hatred. The penalty is up to one year in prison, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both.<\/p><details class=\"tlo-lb-fold\"><summary>Full text<\/summary><p class=\"tlo-lb-text\">Whoever imputes anything to another person before a third person in a manner likely to cause that other person to lose reputation, to be insulted or to be hated, commits the offence of defamation and shall be liable to imprisonment not exceeding one year, or a fine not exceeding twenty thousand baht, or both.<\/p><p class=\"tlo-lb-note\">ThaiLawOnline translation<\/p><\/details><p class=\"tlo-lb-links\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/thai-penal-code\/section-326\/\">Our annotated section<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/searchlaw.ocs.go.th\/council-of-state\/#\/public\/doc\/K2dTMURyaDllOXJVWVZqZGJLK09pdz09\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Official text<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"tlo-lb-sec\"><h3>Section 328<\/h3><p>When defamation is committed through publication (documents, images, film, broadcasting or any other means of spreading it widely), the penalty is heavier: up to two years in prison and a fine of up to 200,000 baht. This is the section commonly used for online and media defamation.<\/p><details class=\"tlo-lb-fold\"><summary>Full text<\/summary><p class=\"tlo-lb-text\">Where the offence of defamation is committed by publication through a document, a drawing, a painting, a cinematograph film, a picture or letters made visible by any means, a gramophone record or a sound recording, an image recording or a text recording, or is committed by sound broadcasting or image broadcasting, or by public proclamation by any other means, the offender shall be liable to imprisonment not exceeding two years and a fine not exceeding two hundred thousand baht.<\/p><p class=\"tlo-lb-note\">ThaiLawOnline translation<\/p><\/details><p class=\"tlo-lb-links\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/thai-penal-code\/section-328\/\">Our annotated section<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/searchlaw.ocs.go.th\/council-of-state\/#\/public\/doc\/K2dTMURyaDllOXJVWVZqZGJLK09pdz09\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Official text<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"tlo-lb-sec\"><h3>Section 331<\/h3><p>A party to a court case, or that party&#039;s lawyer, who makes statements or expresses opinions in the court proceedings for the benefit of their case is not guilty of defamation.<\/p><details class=\"tlo-lb-fold\"><summary>Full text<\/summary><p class=\"tlo-lb-text\">A party to a case, or the lawyer of a party, who expresses an opinion or a statement in the proceedings of a case in court for the benefit of his own case, is not guilty of defamation.<\/p><p class=\"tlo-lb-note\">ThaiLawOnline translation<\/p><\/details><p class=\"tlo-lb-links\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/thai-penal-code\/section-331\/\">Our annotated section<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/searchlaw.ocs.go.th\/council-of-state\/#\/public\/doc\/K2dTMURyaDllOXJVWVZqZGJLK09pdz09\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Official text<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"tlo-lb-sec\"><h3>Section 333<\/h3><p>This section states that all the defamation offences in this chapter, namely Sections 326 to 328, are compoundable, meaning they are private offences that require a complaint and can be settled or withdrawn to end the case. Section 331 is not one of those offences: it grants an immunity to a party or a party&#039;s lawyer, so there is no offence under it to compound. The section also provides that where the injured person dies before making a complaint, the father, mother, spouse or child may complain and is deemed to be the injured person.<\/p><details class=\"tlo-lb-fold\"><summary>Full text<\/summary><p class=\"tlo-lb-text\">The offences in this Chapter are compoundable offences.\n Where the injured person in an offence of defamation dies before making a complaint, the father, mother, spouse or child of the injured person may make the complaint and is deemed to be the injured person.<\/p><p class=\"tlo-lb-note\">ThaiLawOnline translation<\/p><\/details><p class=\"tlo-lb-links\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/thai-penal-code\/section-333\/\">Our annotated section<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/searchlaw.ocs.go.th\/council-of-state\/#\/public\/doc\/K2dTMURyaDllOXJVWVZqZGJLK09pdz09\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Official text<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"tlo-lb-sec\"><h3>Section 96<\/h3><p>For compoundable offences, the injured person must lodge a complaint within three months of learning both of the offence and of who committed it. Missing that window bars the case, and this rule operates within the outer prescription limits of Section 95.<\/p><details class=\"tlo-lb-fold\"><summary>Full text<\/summary><p class=\"tlo-lb-text\">Subject to section 95, in the case of a compoundable offence, if the injured person does not lodge a complaint within three months from the date on which he or she came to know of the offence and of the identity of the offender, the case shall be barred by prescription.<\/p><p class=\"tlo-lb-note\">ThaiLawOnline translation<\/p><\/details><p class=\"tlo-lb-links\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/thai-penal-code\/section-96\/\">Our annotated section<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/searchlaw.ocs.go.th\/council-of-state\/#\/public\/doc\/K2dTMURyaDllOXJVWVZqZGJLK09pdz09\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Official text<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"tlo-lb-sec\"><h3>Section 161\/1<span class=\"tlo-lb-badge\">Amended on 21 March 2019<\/span><\/h3><p>If a private prosecutor brings a criminal case in bad faith or by distorting the facts, to harass or exploit the defendant or for an ulterior aim, the court must dismiss it and bar the plaintiff from filing on the same matter again. Bad faith also covers intentionally defying a final court order or judgment in another criminal case without good reason.<\/p><details class=\"tlo-lb-fold\"><summary>Full text<\/summary><p class=\"tlo-lb-text\">In a case where a private person is plaintiff, if it appears to the court itself, or from evidence which the court has summoned, that the plaintiff has brought the case in bad faith or by distorting the facts, in order to harass or take advantage of the defendant, or with an aim beyond the benefit lawfully to be obtained, the court shall dismiss the charge, and the plaintiff shall be prohibited from filing a charge on the same matter again. The filing of a case in bad faith under paragraph one shall include the plaintiff&#039;s intentional violation, without reasonable cause, of a court order or judgment in another criminal case that has become final.<\/p><p class=\"tlo-lb-note\">ThaiLawOnline translation<\/p><\/details><p class=\"tlo-lb-links\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/thai-criminal-procedure-code\/section-161-1\/\">Our annotated section<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/searchlaw.ocs.go.th\/council-of-state\/#\/public\/doc\/UVdzUTNzUFZlT3VBOEw2allVWTZxZz09\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Official text<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"tlo-lb-tab\" name=\"tlo-lb-1\" lang=\"th\" data-no-translation open><summary>\u0e44\u0e17\u0e22<\/summary><div class=\"tlo-lb-sec\"><h3>\u0e21\u0e32\u0e15\u0e23\u0e32 329<\/h3><details class=\"tlo-lb-fold\" open><summary>\u0e02\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e40\u0e15\u0e47\u0e21<\/summary><p class=\"tlo-lb-text\">\u0e1c\u0e39\u0e49\u0e43\u0e14\u0e41\u0e2a\u0e14\u0e07\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e04\u0e34\u0e14\u0e40\u0e2b\u0e47\u0e19\u0e2b\u0e23\u0e37\u0e2d\u0e02\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e43\u0e14\u0e42\u0e14\u0e22\u0e2a\u0e38\u0e08\u0e23\u0e34\u0e15 (\u0e51) \u0e40\u0e1e\u0e37\u0e48\u0e2d\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e0a\u0e2d\u0e1a\u0e18\u0e23\u0e23\u0e21 \u0e1b\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e01\u0e31\u0e19\u0e15\u0e19\u0e2b\u0e23\u0e37\u0e2d\u0e1b\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e01\u0e31\u0e19\u0e2a\u0e48\u0e27\u0e19\u0e44\u0e14\u0e49\u0e40\u0e2a\u0e35\u0e22\u0e40\u0e01\u0e35\u0e48\u0e22\u0e27\u0e01\u0e31\u0e1a\u0e15\u0e19\u0e15\u0e32\u0e21\u0e04\u0e25\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e18\u0e23\u0e23\u0e21 (\u0e52) \u0e43\u0e19\u0e10\u0e32\u0e19\u0e30\u0e40\u0e1b\u0e47\u0e19\u0e40\u0e08\u0e49\u0e32\u0e1e\u0e19\u0e31\u0e01\u0e07\u0e32\u0e19\u0e1b\u0e0f\u0e34\u0e1a\u0e31\u0e15\u0e34\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e15\u0e32\u0e21\u0e2b\u0e19\u0e49\u0e32\u0e17\u0e35\u0e48 (\u0e53) \u0e15\u0e34\u0e0a\u0e21\u0e14\u0e49\u0e27\u0e22\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e40\u0e1b\u0e47\u0e19\u0e18\u0e23\u0e23\u0e21 \u0e0b\u0e36\u0e48\u0e07\u0e1a\u0e38\u0e04\u0e04\u0e25\u0e2b\u0e23\u0e37\u0e2d\u0e2a\u0e34\u0e48\u0e07\u0e43\u0e14\u0e2d\u0e31\u0e19\u0e40\u0e1b\u0e47\u0e19\u0e27\u0e34\u0e2a\u0e31\u0e22\u0e02\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e1b\u0e23\u0e30\u0e0a\u0e32\u0e0a\u0e19\u0e22\u0e48\u0e2d\u0e21\u0e01\u0e23\u0e30\u0e17\u0e33 \u0e2b\u0e23\u0e37\u0e2d (\u0e54) \u0e43\u0e19\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e41\u0e08\u0e49\u0e07\u0e02\u0e48\u0e32\u0e27\u0e14\u0e49\u0e27\u0e22\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e40\u0e1b\u0e47\u0e19\u0e18\u0e23\u0e23\u0e21\u0e40\u0e23\u0e37\u0e48\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e14\u0e33\u0e40\u0e19\u0e34\u0e19\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e2d\u0e31\u0e19\u0e40\u0e1b\u0e34\u0e14\u0e40\u0e1c\u0e22\u0e43\u0e19\u0e28\u0e32\u0e25\u0e2b\u0e23\u0e37\u0e2d\u0e43\u0e19\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e1b\u0e23\u0e30\u0e0a\u0e38\u0e21 \u0e1c\u0e39\u0e49\u0e19\u0e31\u0e49\u0e19\u0e44\u0e21\u0e48\u0e21\u0e35\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e1c\u0e34\u0e14\u0e10\u0e32\u0e19\u0e2b\u0e21\u0e34\u0e48\u0e19\u0e1b\u0e23\u0e30\u0e21\u0e32\u0e17<\/p><p class=\"tlo-lb-note\">\u0e15\u0e23\u0e07\u0e15\u0e32\u0e21\u0e02\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e43\u0e19\u0e23\u0e32\u0e0a\u0e01\u0e34\u0e08\u0e08\u0e32\u0e19\u0e38\u0e40\u0e1a\u0e01\u0e29\u0e32 \/ \u0e2a\u0e33\u0e19\u0e31\u0e01\u0e07\u0e32\u0e19\u0e04\u0e13\u0e30\u0e01\u0e23\u0e23\u0e21\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e01\u0e24\u0e29\u0e0e\u0e35\u0e01\u0e32 (Verbatim from the Royal Gazette \/ Office of the Council of State)<\/p><\/details><p class=\"tlo-lb-links\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/thai-penal-code\/section-329\/\">\u0e21\u0e32\u0e15\u0e23\u0e32\u0e1e\u0e23\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e21\u0e2b\u0e21\u0e32\u0e22\u0e40\u0e2b\u0e15\u0e38\u0e02\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e40\u0e23\u0e32<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/searchlaw.ocs.go.th\/council-of-state\/#\/public\/doc\/K2dTMURyaDllOXJVWVZqZGJLK09pdz09\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">\u0e02\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e17\u0e32\u0e07\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"tlo-lb-sec\"><h3>\u0e21\u0e32\u0e15\u0e23\u0e32 330<\/h3><details class=\"tlo-lb-fold\"><summary>\u0e02\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e40\u0e15\u0e47\u0e21<\/summary><p class=\"tlo-lb-text\">\u0e43\u0e19\u0e01\u0e23\u0e13\u0e35\u0e2b\u0e21\u0e34\u0e48\u0e19\u0e1b\u0e23\u0e30\u0e21\u0e32\u0e17 \u0e16\u0e49\u0e32\u0e1c\u0e39\u0e49\u0e16\u0e39\u0e01\u0e2b\u0e32\u0e27\u0e48\u0e32\u0e01\u0e23\u0e30\u0e17\u0e33\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e1c\u0e34\u0e14 \u0e1e\u0e34\u0e2a\u0e39\u0e08\u0e19\u0e4c\u0e44\u0e14\u0e49\u0e27\u0e48\u0e32\u0e02\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e17\u0e35\u0e48\u0e2b\u0e32\u0e27\u0e48\u0e32\u0e40\u0e1b\u0e47\u0e19\u0e2b\u0e21\u0e34\u0e48\u0e19\u0e1b\u0e23\u0e30\u0e21\u0e32\u0e17\u0e19\u0e31\u0e49\u0e19\u0e40\u0e1b\u0e47\u0e19\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e08\u0e23\u0e34\u0e07 \u0e1c\u0e39\u0e49\u0e19\u0e31\u0e49\u0e19\u0e44\u0e21\u0e48\u0e15\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e23\u0e31\u0e1a\u0e42\u0e17\u0e29 \u0e41\u0e15\u0e48\u0e2b\u0e49\u0e32\u0e21\u0e44\u0e21\u0e48\u0e43\u0e2b\u0e49\u0e1e\u0e34\u0e2a\u0e39\u0e08\u0e19\u0e4c \u0e16\u0e49\u0e32\u0e02\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e17\u0e35\u0e48\u0e2b\u0e32\u0e27\u0e48\u0e32\u0e40\u0e1b\u0e47\u0e19\u0e2b\u0e21\u0e34\u0e48\u0e19\u0e1b\u0e23\u0e30\u0e21\u0e32\u0e17\u0e19\u0e31\u0e49\u0e19\u0e40\u0e1b\u0e47\u0e19\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e43\u0e2a\u0e48\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e43\u0e19\u0e40\u0e23\u0e37\u0e48\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e2a\u0e48\u0e27\u0e19\u0e15\u0e31\u0e27 \u0e41\u0e25\u0e30\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e1e\u0e34\u0e2a\u0e39\u0e08\u0e19\u0e4c\u0e08\u0e30\u0e44\u0e21\u0e48\u0e40\u0e1b\u0e47\u0e19\u0e1b\u0e23\u0e30\u0e42\u0e22\u0e0a\u0e19\u0e4c\u0e41\u0e01\u0e48\u0e1b\u0e23\u0e30\u0e0a\u0e32\u0e0a\u0e19<\/p><p class=\"tlo-lb-note\">\u0e15\u0e23\u0e07\u0e15\u0e32\u0e21\u0e02\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e43\u0e19\u0e23\u0e32\u0e0a\u0e01\u0e34\u0e08\u0e08\u0e32\u0e19\u0e38\u0e40\u0e1a\u0e01\u0e29\u0e32 \/ \u0e2a\u0e33\u0e19\u0e31\u0e01\u0e07\u0e32\u0e19\u0e04\u0e13\u0e30\u0e01\u0e23\u0e23\u0e21\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e01\u0e24\u0e29\u0e0e\u0e35\u0e01\u0e32 (Verbatim from the Royal Gazette \/ Office of the Council of State)<\/p><\/details><p class=\"tlo-lb-links\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/thai-penal-code\/section-330\/\">\u0e21\u0e32\u0e15\u0e23\u0e32\u0e1e\u0e23\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e21\u0e2b\u0e21\u0e32\u0e22\u0e40\u0e2b\u0e15\u0e38\u0e02\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e40\u0e23\u0e32<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/searchlaw.ocs.go.th\/council-of-state\/#\/public\/doc\/K2dTMURyaDllOXJVWVZqZGJLK09pdz09\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">\u0e02\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e17\u0e32\u0e07\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"tlo-lb-sec\"><h3>\u0e21\u0e32\u0e15\u0e23\u0e32 326<\/h3><details class=\"tlo-lb-fold\"><summary>\u0e02\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e40\u0e15\u0e47\u0e21<\/summary><p class=\"tlo-lb-text\">\u0e1c\u0e39\u0e49\u0e43\u0e14\u0e43\u0e2a\u0e48\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e1c\u0e39\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e37\u0e48\u0e19\u0e15\u0e48\u0e2d\u0e1a\u0e38\u0e04\u0e04\u0e25\u0e17\u0e35\u0e48\u0e2a\u0e32\u0e21 \u0e42\u0e14\u0e22\u0e1b\u0e23\u0e30\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e17\u0e35\u0e48\u0e19\u0e48\u0e32\u0e08\u0e30\u0e17\u0e33\u0e43\u0e2b\u0e49\u0e1c\u0e39\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e37\u0e48\u0e19\u0e19\u0e31\u0e49\u0e19\u0e40\u0e2a\u0e35\u0e22\u0e0a\u0e37\u0e48\u0e2d\u0e40\u0e2a\u0e35\u0e22\u0e07 \u0e16\u0e39\u0e01\u0e14\u0e39\u0e2b\u0e21\u0e34\u0e48\u0e19 \u0e2b\u0e23\u0e37\u0e2d\u0e16\u0e39\u0e01\u0e40\u0e01\u0e25\u0e35\u0e22\u0e14\u0e0a\u0e31\u0e07 \u0e1c\u0e39\u0e49\u0e19\u0e31\u0e49\u0e19\u0e01\u0e23\u0e30\u0e17\u0e33\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e1c\u0e34\u0e14\u0e10\u0e32\u0e19\u0e2b\u0e21\u0e34\u0e48\u0e19\u0e1b\u0e23\u0e30\u0e21\u0e32\u0e17 \u0e15\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e23\u0e30\u0e27\u0e32\u0e07\u0e42\u0e17\u0e29\u0e08\u0e33\u0e04\u0e38\u0e01\u0e44\u0e21\u0e48\u0e40\u0e01\u0e34\u0e19\u0e2b\u0e19\u0e36\u0e48\u0e07\u0e1b\u0e35 \u0e2b\u0e23\u0e37\u0e2d\u0e1b\u0e23\u0e31\u0e1a\u0e44\u0e21\u0e48\u0e40\u0e01\u0e34\u0e19\u0e2a\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e2b\u0e21\u0e37\u0e48\u0e19\u0e1a\u0e32\u0e17 \u0e2b\u0e23\u0e37\u0e2d\u0e17\u0e31\u0e49\u0e07\u0e08\u0e33\u0e17\u0e31\u0e49\u0e07\u0e1b\u0e23\u0e31\u0e1a<\/p><p class=\"tlo-lb-note\">\u0e15\u0e23\u0e07\u0e15\u0e32\u0e21\u0e02\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e43\u0e19\u0e23\u0e32\u0e0a\u0e01\u0e34\u0e08\u0e08\u0e32\u0e19\u0e38\u0e40\u0e1a\u0e01\u0e29\u0e32 \/ \u0e2a\u0e33\u0e19\u0e31\u0e01\u0e07\u0e32\u0e19\u0e04\u0e13\u0e30\u0e01\u0e23\u0e23\u0e21\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e01\u0e24\u0e29\u0e0e\u0e35\u0e01\u0e32 (Verbatim from the Royal Gazette \/ Office of the Council of State)<\/p><\/details><p class=\"tlo-lb-links\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/thai-penal-code\/section-326\/\">\u0e21\u0e32\u0e15\u0e23\u0e32\u0e1e\u0e23\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e21\u0e2b\u0e21\u0e32\u0e22\u0e40\u0e2b\u0e15\u0e38\u0e02\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e40\u0e23\u0e32<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/searchlaw.ocs.go.th\/council-of-state\/#\/public\/doc\/K2dTMURyaDllOXJVWVZqZGJLK09pdz09\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">\u0e02\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e17\u0e32\u0e07\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"tlo-lb-sec\"><h3>\u0e21\u0e32\u0e15\u0e23\u0e32 328<\/h3><details class=\"tlo-lb-fold\"><summary>\u0e02\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e40\u0e15\u0e47\u0e21<\/summary><p class=\"tlo-lb-text\">\u0e16\u0e49\u0e32\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e1c\u0e34\u0e14\u0e10\u0e32\u0e19\u0e2b\u0e21\u0e34\u0e48\u0e19\u0e1b\u0e23\u0e30\u0e21\u0e32\u0e17\u0e44\u0e14\u0e49\u0e01\u0e23\u0e30\u0e17\u0e33\u0e42\u0e14\u0e22\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e42\u0e06\u0e29\u0e13\u0e32\u0e14\u0e49\u0e27\u0e22\u0e40\u0e2d\u0e01\u0e2a\u0e32\u0e23 \u0e20\u0e32\u0e1e\u0e27\u0e32\u0e14 \u0e20\u0e32\u0e1e\u0e23\u0e30\u0e1a\u0e32\u0e22\u0e2a\u0e35 \u0e20\u0e32\u0e1e\u0e22\u0e19\u0e15\u0e23\u0e4c \u0e20\u0e32\u0e1e\u0e2b\u0e23\u0e37\u0e2d\u0e15\u0e31\u0e27\u0e2d\u0e31\u0e01\u0e29\u0e23\u0e17\u0e35\u0e48\u0e17\u0e33\u0e43\u0e2b\u0e49\u0e1b\u0e23\u0e32\u0e01\u0e0f\u0e44\u0e21\u0e48\u0e27\u0e48\u0e32\u0e14\u0e49\u0e27\u0e22\u0e27\u0e34\u0e18\u0e35\u0e43\u0e14 \u0e46 \u0e41\u0e1c\u0e48\u0e19\u0e40\u0e2a\u0e35\u0e22\u0e07 \u0e2b\u0e23\u0e37\u0e2d\u0e2a\u0e34\u0e48\u0e07\u0e1a\u0e31\u0e19\u0e17\u0e36\u0e01\u0e40\u0e2a\u0e35\u0e22\u0e07 \u0e1a\u0e31\u0e19\u0e17\u0e36\u0e01\u0e20\u0e32\u0e1e \u0e2b\u0e23\u0e37\u0e2d\u0e1a\u0e31\u0e19\u0e17\u0e36\u0e01\u0e2d\u0e31\u0e01\u0e29\u0e23 \u0e01\u0e23\u0e30\u0e17\u0e33\u0e42\u0e14\u0e22\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e01\u0e23\u0e30\u0e08\u0e32\u0e22\u0e40\u0e2a\u0e35\u0e22\u0e07 \u0e2b\u0e23\u0e37\u0e2d\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e01\u0e23\u0e30\u0e08\u0e32\u0e22\u0e20\u0e32\u0e1e \u0e2b\u0e23\u0e37\u0e2d\u0e42\u0e14\u0e22\u0e01\u0e23\u0e30\u0e17\u0e33\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e1b\u0e48\u0e32\u0e27\u0e1b\u0e23\u0e30\u0e01\u0e32\u0e28\u0e14\u0e49\u0e27\u0e22\u0e27\u0e34\u0e18\u0e35\u0e2d\u0e37\u0e48\u0e19 \u0e1c\u0e39\u0e49\u0e01\u0e23\u0e30\u0e17\u0e33\u0e15\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e23\u0e30\u0e27\u0e32\u0e07\u0e42\u0e17\u0e29\u0e08\u0e33\u0e04\u0e38\u0e01\u0e44\u0e21\u0e48\u0e40\u0e01\u0e34\u0e19\u0e2a\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e1b\u0e35 \u0e41\u0e25\u0e30\u0e1b\u0e23\u0e31\u0e1a\u0e44\u0e21\u0e48\u0e40\u0e01\u0e34\u0e19\u0e2a\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e41\u0e2a\u0e19\u0e1a\u0e32\u0e17<\/p><p class=\"tlo-lb-note\">\u0e15\u0e23\u0e07\u0e15\u0e32\u0e21\u0e02\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e43\u0e19\u0e23\u0e32\u0e0a\u0e01\u0e34\u0e08\u0e08\u0e32\u0e19\u0e38\u0e40\u0e1a\u0e01\u0e29\u0e32 \/ \u0e2a\u0e33\u0e19\u0e31\u0e01\u0e07\u0e32\u0e19\u0e04\u0e13\u0e30\u0e01\u0e23\u0e23\u0e21\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e01\u0e24\u0e29\u0e0e\u0e35\u0e01\u0e32 (Verbatim from the Royal Gazette \/ Office of the Council of State)<\/p><\/details><p class=\"tlo-lb-links\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/thai-penal-code\/section-328\/\">\u0e21\u0e32\u0e15\u0e23\u0e32\u0e1e\u0e23\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e21\u0e2b\u0e21\u0e32\u0e22\u0e40\u0e2b\u0e15\u0e38\u0e02\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e40\u0e23\u0e32<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/searchlaw.ocs.go.th\/council-of-state\/#\/public\/doc\/K2dTMURyaDllOXJVWVZqZGJLK09pdz09\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">\u0e02\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e17\u0e32\u0e07\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"tlo-lb-sec\"><h3>\u0e21\u0e32\u0e15\u0e23\u0e32 331<\/h3><details class=\"tlo-lb-fold\"><summary>\u0e02\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e40\u0e15\u0e47\u0e21<\/summary><p class=\"tlo-lb-text\">\u0e04\u0e39\u0e48\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21 \u0e2b\u0e23\u0e37\u0e2d\u0e17\u0e19\u0e32\u0e22\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e02\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e04\u0e39\u0e48\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21 \u0e0b\u0e36\u0e48\u0e07\u0e41\u0e2a\u0e14\u0e07\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e04\u0e34\u0e14\u0e40\u0e2b\u0e47\u0e19 \u0e2b\u0e23\u0e37\u0e2d\u0e02\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e43\u0e19\u0e01\u0e23\u0e30\u0e1a\u0e27\u0e19\u0e1e\u0e34\u0e08\u0e32\u0e23\u0e13\u0e32\u0e04\u0e14\u0e35\u0e43\u0e19\u0e28\u0e32\u0e25 \u0e40\u0e1e\u0e37\u0e48\u0e2d\u0e1b\u0e23\u0e30\u0e42\u0e22\u0e0a\u0e19\u0e4c\u0e41\u0e01\u0e48\u0e04\u0e14\u0e35\u0e02\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e15\u0e19 \u0e44\u0e21\u0e48\u0e21\u0e35\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e1c\u0e34\u0e14\u0e10\u0e32\u0e19\u0e2b\u0e21\u0e34\u0e48\u0e19\u0e1b\u0e23\u0e30\u0e21\u0e32\u0e17<\/p><p class=\"tlo-lb-note\">\u0e15\u0e23\u0e07\u0e15\u0e32\u0e21\u0e02\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e43\u0e19\u0e23\u0e32\u0e0a\u0e01\u0e34\u0e08\u0e08\u0e32\u0e19\u0e38\u0e40\u0e1a\u0e01\u0e29\u0e32 \/ \u0e2a\u0e33\u0e19\u0e31\u0e01\u0e07\u0e32\u0e19\u0e04\u0e13\u0e30\u0e01\u0e23\u0e23\u0e21\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e01\u0e24\u0e29\u0e0e\u0e35\u0e01\u0e32 (Verbatim from the Royal Gazette \/ Office of the Council of State)<\/p><\/details><p class=\"tlo-lb-links\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/thai-penal-code\/section-331\/\">\u0e21\u0e32\u0e15\u0e23\u0e32\u0e1e\u0e23\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e21\u0e2b\u0e21\u0e32\u0e22\u0e40\u0e2b\u0e15\u0e38\u0e02\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e40\u0e23\u0e32<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/searchlaw.ocs.go.th\/council-of-state\/#\/public\/doc\/K2dTMURyaDllOXJVWVZqZGJLK09pdz09\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">\u0e02\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e17\u0e32\u0e07\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"tlo-lb-sec\"><h3>\u0e21\u0e32\u0e15\u0e23\u0e32 333<\/h3><details class=\"tlo-lb-fold\"><summary>\u0e02\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e40\u0e15\u0e47\u0e21<\/summary><p class=\"tlo-lb-text\">\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e1c\u0e34\u0e14\u0e43\u0e19\u0e2b\u0e21\u0e27\u0e14\u0e19\u0e35\u0e49\u0e40\u0e1b\u0e47\u0e19\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e1c\u0e34\u0e14\u0e2d\u0e31\u0e19\u0e22\u0e2d\u0e21\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e44\u0e14\u0e49 \u0e16\u0e49\u0e32\u0e1c\u0e39\u0e49\u0e40\u0e2a\u0e35\u0e22\u0e2b\u0e32\u0e22\u0e43\u0e19\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e1c\u0e34\u0e14\u0e10\u0e32\u0e19\u0e2b\u0e21\u0e34\u0e48\u0e19\u0e1b\u0e23\u0e30\u0e21\u0e32\u0e17\u0e15\u0e32\u0e22\u0e40\u0e2a\u0e35\u0e22\u0e01\u0e48\u0e2d\u0e19\u0e23\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e17\u0e38\u0e01\u0e02\u0e4c \u0e43\u0e2b\u0e49\u0e1a\u0e34\u0e14\u0e32 \u0e21\u0e32\u0e23\u0e14\u0e32 \u0e04\u0e39\u0e48\u0e2a\u0e21\u0e23\u0e2a \u0e2b\u0e23\u0e37\u0e2d\u0e1a\u0e38\u0e15\u0e23\u0e02\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e1c\u0e39\u0e49\u0e40\u0e2a\u0e35\u0e22\u0e2b\u0e32\u0e22\u0e23\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e17\u0e38\u0e01\u0e02\u0e4c\u0e44\u0e14\u0e49 \u0e41\u0e25\u0e30\u0e43\u0e2b\u0e49\u0e16\u0e37\u0e2d\u0e27\u0e48\u0e32\u0e40\u0e1b\u0e47\u0e19\u0e1c\u0e39\u0e49\u0e40\u0e2a\u0e35\u0e22\u0e2b\u0e32\u0e22<\/p><p class=\"tlo-lb-note\">\u0e15\u0e23\u0e07\u0e15\u0e32\u0e21\u0e02\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e43\u0e19\u0e23\u0e32\u0e0a\u0e01\u0e34\u0e08\u0e08\u0e32\u0e19\u0e38\u0e40\u0e1a\u0e01\u0e29\u0e32 \/ \u0e2a\u0e33\u0e19\u0e31\u0e01\u0e07\u0e32\u0e19\u0e04\u0e13\u0e30\u0e01\u0e23\u0e23\u0e21\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e01\u0e24\u0e29\u0e0e\u0e35\u0e01\u0e32 (Verbatim from the Royal Gazette \/ Office of the Council of State)<\/p><\/details><p class=\"tlo-lb-links\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/thai-penal-code\/section-333\/\">\u0e21\u0e32\u0e15\u0e23\u0e32\u0e1e\u0e23\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e21\u0e2b\u0e21\u0e32\u0e22\u0e40\u0e2b\u0e15\u0e38\u0e02\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e40\u0e23\u0e32<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/searchlaw.ocs.go.th\/council-of-state\/#\/public\/doc\/K2dTMURyaDllOXJVWVZqZGJLK09pdz09\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">\u0e02\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e17\u0e32\u0e07\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"tlo-lb-sec\"><h3>\u0e21\u0e32\u0e15\u0e23\u0e32 96<\/h3><details class=\"tlo-lb-fold\"><summary>\u0e02\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e40\u0e15\u0e47\u0e21<\/summary><p class=\"tlo-lb-text\">\u0e20\u0e32\u0e22\u0e43\u0e15\u0e49\u0e1a\u0e31\u0e07\u0e04\u0e31\u0e1a\u0e21\u0e32\u0e15\u0e23\u0e32 \u0e59\u0e55 \u0e43\u0e19\u0e01\u0e23\u0e13\u0e35\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e1c\u0e34\u0e14\u0e2d\u0e31\u0e19\u0e22\u0e2d\u0e21\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e44\u0e14\u0e49 \u0e16\u0e49\u0e32\u0e1c\u0e39\u0e49\u0e40\u0e2a\u0e35\u0e22\u0e2b\u0e32\u0e22\u0e21\u0e34\u0e44\u0e14\u0e49\u0e23\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e17\u0e38\u0e01\u0e02\u0e4c\u0e20\u0e32\u0e22\u0e43\u0e19\u0e2a\u0e32\u0e21\u0e40\u0e14\u0e37\u0e2d\u0e19\u0e19\u0e31\u0e1a\u0e41\u0e15\u0e48\u0e27\u0e31\u0e19\u0e17\u0e35\u0e48\u0e23\u0e39\u0e49\u0e40\u0e23\u0e37\u0e48\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e1c\u0e34\u0e14\u0e41\u0e25\u0e30\u0e23\u0e39\u0e49\u0e15\u0e31\u0e27\u0e1c\u0e39\u0e49\u0e01\u0e23\u0e30\u0e17\u0e33\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e1c\u0e34\u0e14 \u0e40\u0e1b\u0e47\u0e19\u0e2d\u0e31\u0e19\u0e02\u0e32\u0e14\u0e2d\u0e32\u0e22\u0e38\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21<\/p><p class=\"tlo-lb-note\">\u0e15\u0e23\u0e07\u0e15\u0e32\u0e21\u0e02\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e43\u0e19\u0e23\u0e32\u0e0a\u0e01\u0e34\u0e08\u0e08\u0e32\u0e19\u0e38\u0e40\u0e1a\u0e01\u0e29\u0e32 \/ \u0e2a\u0e33\u0e19\u0e31\u0e01\u0e07\u0e32\u0e19\u0e04\u0e13\u0e30\u0e01\u0e23\u0e23\u0e21\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e01\u0e24\u0e29\u0e0e\u0e35\u0e01\u0e32 (Verbatim from the Royal Gazette \/ Office of the Council of State)<\/p><\/details><p class=\"tlo-lb-links\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/thai-penal-code\/section-96\/\">\u0e21\u0e32\u0e15\u0e23\u0e32\u0e1e\u0e23\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e21\u0e2b\u0e21\u0e32\u0e22\u0e40\u0e2b\u0e15\u0e38\u0e02\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e40\u0e23\u0e32<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/searchlaw.ocs.go.th\/council-of-state\/#\/public\/doc\/K2dTMURyaDllOXJVWVZqZGJLK09pdz09\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">\u0e02\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e17\u0e32\u0e07\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"tlo-lb-sec\"><h3>\u0e21\u0e32\u0e15\u0e23\u0e32 161\/1<span class=\"tlo-lb-badge\">\u0e41\u0e01\u0e49\u0e44\u0e02\u0e40\u0e21\u0e37\u0e48\u0e2d 21 \u0e21\u0e35\u0e19\u0e32\u0e04\u0e21 2562<\/span><\/h3><details class=\"tlo-lb-fold\"><summary>\u0e02\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e40\u0e15\u0e47\u0e21<\/summary><p class=\"tlo-lb-text\">\u0e43\u0e19\u0e04\u0e14\u0e35\u0e23\u0e32\u0e29\u0e0e\u0e23\u0e40\u0e1b\u0e47\u0e19\u0e42\u0e08\u0e17\u0e01\u0e4c \u0e2b\u0e32\u0e01\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e1b\u0e23\u0e32\u0e01\u0e0f\u0e15\u0e48\u0e2d\u0e28\u0e32\u0e25\u0e40\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e2b\u0e23\u0e37\u0e2d\u0e21\u0e35\u0e1e\u0e22\u0e32\u0e19\u0e2b\u0e25\u0e31\u0e01\u0e10\u0e32\u0e19\u0e17\u0e35\u0e48\u0e28\u0e32\u0e25\u0e40\u0e23\u0e35\u0e22\u0e01\u0e21\u0e32\u0e27\u0e48\u0e32\u0e42\u0e08\u0e17\u0e01\u0e4c\u0e1f\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e04\u0e14\u0e35\u0e42\u0e14\u0e22\u0e44\u0e21\u0e48\u0e2a\u0e38\u0e08\u0e23\u0e34\u0e15\u0e2b\u0e23\u0e37\u0e2d\u0e42\u0e14\u0e22\u0e1a\u0e34\u0e14\u0e40\u0e1a\u0e37\u0e2d\u0e19\u0e02\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e40\u0e17\u0e47\u0e08\u0e08\u0e23\u0e34\u0e07 \u0e40\u0e1e\u0e37\u0e48\u0e2d\u0e01\u0e25\u0e31\u0e48\u0e19\u0e41\u0e01\u0e25\u0e49\u0e07\u0e2b\u0e23\u0e37\u0e2d\u0e40\u0e2d\u0e32\u0e40\u0e1b\u0e23\u0e35\u0e22\u0e1a\u0e08\u0e33\u0e40\u0e25\u0e22\u0e2b\u0e23\u0e37\u0e2d\u0e42\u0e14\u0e22\u0e21\u0e38\u0e48\u0e07\u0e2b\u0e27\u0e31\u0e07\u0e1c\u0e25\u0e2d\u0e22\u0e48\u0e32\u0e07\u0e2d\u0e37\u0e48\u0e19\u0e22\u0e34\u0e48\u0e07\u0e01\u0e27\u0e48\u0e32\u0e1b\u0e23\u0e30\u0e42\u0e22\u0e0a\u0e19\u0e4c\u0e17\u0e35\u0e48\u0e1e\u0e36\u0e07\u0e44\u0e14\u0e49\u0e42\u0e14\u0e22\u0e0a\u0e2d\u0e1a \u0e43\u0e2b\u0e49\u0e28\u0e32\u0e25\u0e22\u0e01\u0e1f\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e07 \u0e41\u0e25\u0e30\u0e2b\u0e49\u0e32\u0e21\u0e21\u0e34\u0e43\u0e2b\u0e49\u0e42\u0e08\u0e17\u0e01\u0e4c\u0e22\u0e37\u0e48\u0e19\u0e1f\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e43\u0e19\u0e40\u0e23\u0e37\u0e48\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e40\u0e14\u0e35\u0e22\u0e27\u0e01\u0e31\u0e19\u0e19\u0e31\u0e49\u0e19\u0e2d\u0e35\u0e01\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e1f\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e04\u0e14\u0e35\u0e42\u0e14\u0e22\u0e44\u0e21\u0e48\u0e2a\u0e38\u0e08\u0e23\u0e34\u0e15\u0e15\u0e32\u0e21\u0e27\u0e23\u0e23\u0e04\u0e2b\u0e19\u0e36\u0e48\u0e07\u0e43\u0e2b\u0e49\u0e2b\u0e21\u0e32\u0e22\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e23\u0e27\u0e21\u0e16\u0e36\u0e07\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e17\u0e35\u0e48\u0e42\u0e08\u0e17\u0e01\u0e4c\u0e08\u0e07\u0e43\u0e08\u0e1d\u0e48\u0e32\u0e1d\u0e37\u0e19\u0e04\u0e33\u0e2a\u0e31\u0e48\u0e07\u0e2b\u0e23\u0e37\u0e2d\u0e04\u0e33\u0e1e\u0e34\u0e1e\u0e32\u0e01\u0e29\u0e32\u0e02\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e28\u0e32\u0e25\u0e43\u0e19\u0e04\u0e14\u0e35\u0e2d\u0e32\u0e0d\u0e32\u0e2d\u0e37\u0e48\u0e19\u0e0b\u0e36\u0e48\u0e07\u0e16\u0e36\u0e07\u0e17\u0e35\u0e48\u0e2a\u0e38\u0e14\u0e41\u0e25\u0e49\u0e27\u0e42\u0e14\u0e22\u0e1b\u0e23\u0e32\u0e28\u0e08\u0e32\u0e01\u0e40\u0e2b\u0e15\u0e38\u0e1c\u0e25\u0e2d\u0e31\u0e19\u0e2a\u0e21\u0e04\u0e27\u0e23\u0e14\u0e49\u0e27\u0e22<\/p><p class=\"tlo-lb-note\">\u0e15\u0e23\u0e07\u0e15\u0e32\u0e21\u0e02\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e43\u0e19\u0e23\u0e32\u0e0a\u0e01\u0e34\u0e08\u0e08\u0e32\u0e19\u0e38\u0e40\u0e1a\u0e01\u0e29\u0e32 \/ \u0e2a\u0e33\u0e19\u0e31\u0e01\u0e07\u0e32\u0e19\u0e04\u0e13\u0e30\u0e01\u0e23\u0e23\u0e21\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23\u0e01\u0e24\u0e29\u0e0e\u0e35\u0e01\u0e32 (Verbatim from the Royal Gazette \/ Office of the Council of State)<\/p><\/details><p class=\"tlo-lb-links\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/thai-criminal-procedure-code\/section-161-1\/\">\u0e21\u0e32\u0e15\u0e23\u0e32\u0e1e\u0e23\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e21\u0e2b\u0e21\u0e32\u0e22\u0e40\u0e2b\u0e15\u0e38\u0e02\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e40\u0e23\u0e32<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/searchlaw.ocs.go.th\/council-of-state\/#\/public\/doc\/UVdzUTNzUFZlT3VBOEw2allVWTZxZz09\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">\u0e02\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e17\u0e32\u0e07\u0e01\u0e32\u0e23<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/details><details class=\"tlo-lb-tab\" name=\"tlo-lb-1\" lang=\"fr\" data-no-translation><summary>Fran\u00e7ais<\/summary><div class=\"tlo-lb-sec\"><h3>Article 329<\/h3><p>Ne commet pas de diffamation quiconque s&#039;exprime de bonne foi: (1) pour se justifier ou d\u00e9fendre ses int\u00e9r\u00eats l\u00e9gitimes; (2) comme agent public dans ses fonctions; (3) en critiquant loyalement ce que tout citoyen peut critiquer; (4) en rendant compte loyalement d&#039;audiences publiques ou de r\u00e9unions.<\/p><p class=\"tlo-lb-note\">r\u00e9sum\u00e9 non officiel<\/p><p class=\"tlo-lb-links\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/thai-penal-code\/section-329\/\">Notre article annot\u00e9<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/searchlaw.ocs.go.th\/council-of-state\/#\/public\/doc\/K2dTMURyaDllOXJVWVZqZGJLK09pdz09\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Texte officiel<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"tlo-lb-sec\"><h3>Article 330<\/h3><p>En mati\u00e8re de diffamation, le pr\u00e9venu qui prouve la v\u00e9rit\u00e9 des faits imput\u00e9s n&#039;est pas puni. Cette preuve est toutefois interdite si l&#039;imputation porte sur la vie priv\u00e9e et que sa preuve ne pr\u00e9sente aucun int\u00e9r\u00eat pour le public.<\/p><p class=\"tlo-lb-note\">r\u00e9sum\u00e9 non officiel<\/p><p class=\"tlo-lb-links\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/thai-penal-code\/section-330\/\">Notre article annot\u00e9<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/searchlaw.ocs.go.th\/council-of-state\/#\/public\/doc\/K2dTMURyaDllOXJVWVZqZGJLK09pdz09\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Texte officiel<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"tlo-lb-sec\"><h3>Article 326<\/h3><p>Quiconque impute un fait \u00e0 autrui devant un tiers, d&#039;une mani\u00e8re de nature \u00e0 lui faire perdre sa r\u00e9putation, \u00e0 l&#039;exposer au m\u00e9pris ou \u00e0 la haine, commet l&#039;infraction de diffamation et est puni d&#039;un emprisonnement d&#039;un an au plus, d&#039;une amende de vingt mille bahts au plus, ou de ces deux peines.<\/p><p class=\"tlo-lb-note\">r\u00e9sum\u00e9 non officiel<\/p><p class=\"tlo-lb-links\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/thai-penal-code\/section-326\/\">Notre article annot\u00e9<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/searchlaw.ocs.go.th\/council-of-state\/#\/public\/doc\/K2dTMURyaDllOXJVWVZqZGJLK09pdz09\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Texte officiel<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"tlo-lb-sec\"><h3>Article 328<\/h3><p>Si l&#039;infraction de diffamation est commise par voie de publication au moyen d&#039;un \u00e9crit, d&#039;un dessin, d&#039;une peinture, d&#039;un film cin\u00e9matographique, d&#039;une image ou de caract\u00e8res rendus visibles par quelque proc\u00e9d\u00e9 que ce soit, d&#039;un disque, ou d&#039;un enregistrement sonore, d&#039;images ou de caract\u00e8res, ou si elle est commise par radiodiffusion sonore ou t\u00e9l\u00e9visuelle, ou par voie de proclamation publique par tout autre moyen, l&#039;auteur est puni d&#039;un emprisonnement de deux ans au plus et d&#039;une amende de deux cent mille bahts au plus.<\/p><p class=\"tlo-lb-note\">r\u00e9sum\u00e9 non officiel<\/p><p class=\"tlo-lb-links\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/thai-penal-code\/section-328\/\">Notre article annot\u00e9<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/searchlaw.ocs.go.th\/council-of-state\/#\/public\/doc\/K2dTMURyaDllOXJVWVZqZGJLK09pdz09\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Texte officiel<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"tlo-lb-sec\"><h3>Article 331<\/h3><p>Une partie ou son avocat qui exprime une opinion ou un propos au cours d&#039;une proc\u00e9dure judiciaire, dans l&#039;int\u00e9r\u00eat de sa cause, ne commet pas de diffamation.<\/p><p class=\"tlo-lb-note\">r\u00e9sum\u00e9 non officiel<\/p><p class=\"tlo-lb-links\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/thai-penal-code\/section-331\/\">Notre article annot\u00e9<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/searchlaw.ocs.go.th\/council-of-state\/#\/public\/doc\/K2dTMURyaDllOXJVWVZqZGJLK09pdz09\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Texte officiel<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"tlo-lb-sec\"><h3>Article 333<\/h3><p>Les infractions du pr\u00e9sent chapitre sont susceptibles de transaction. Si la victime d&#039;une diffamation d\u00e9c\u00e8de avant d&#039;avoir port\u00e9 plainte, son p\u00e8re, sa m\u00e8re, son conjoint ou son enfant peut porter plainte et est r\u00e9put\u00e9 victime.<\/p><p class=\"tlo-lb-note\">r\u00e9sum\u00e9 non officiel<\/p><p class=\"tlo-lb-links\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/thai-penal-code\/section-333\/\">Notre article annot\u00e9<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/searchlaw.ocs.go.th\/council-of-state\/#\/public\/doc\/K2dTMURyaDllOXJVWVZqZGJLK09pdz09\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Texte officiel<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"tlo-lb-sec\"><h3>Article 96<\/h3><p>Sous r\u00e9serve de l&#039;article 95, l&#039;infraction susceptible de transaction est prescrite si la victime n&#039;a pas port\u00e9 plainte dans les trois mois \u00e0 compter du jour o\u00f9 elle a connu l&#039;infraction et son auteur.<\/p><p class=\"tlo-lb-note\">r\u00e9sum\u00e9 non officiel<\/p><p class=\"tlo-lb-links\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/thai-penal-code\/section-96\/\">Notre article annot\u00e9<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/searchlaw.ocs.go.th\/council-of-state\/#\/public\/doc\/K2dTMURyaDllOXJVWVZqZGJLK09pdz09\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Texte officiel<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"tlo-lb-sec\"><h3>Article 161\/1<span class=\"tlo-lb-badge\">Modifi\u00e9 le 21 mars 2019<\/span><\/h3><p>En poursuite priv\u00e9e, si le tribunal constate, d&#039;office ou sur preuves requises, que le plaignant agit de mauvaise foi ou d\u00e9forme les faits, pour nuire au pr\u00e9venu, l&#039;exploiter ou \u00e0 une fin ill\u00e9gitime, il rejette la plainte sans r\u00e9introduction. Cela inclut la violation d\u00e9lib\u00e9r\u00e9e, injustifi\u00e9e, d&#039;une d\u00e9cision p\u00e9nale d\u00e9finitive distincte.<\/p><p class=\"tlo-lb-note\">r\u00e9sum\u00e9 non officiel<\/p><p class=\"tlo-lb-links\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/thai-criminal-procedure-code\/section-161-1\/\">Notre article annot\u00e9<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/searchlaw.ocs.go.th\/council-of-state\/#\/public\/doc\/UVdzUTNzUFZlT3VBOEw2allVWTZxZz09\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Texte officiel<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/details><\/div><div class=\"tlo-lb-src\"><h3>\u0e41\u0e2b\u0e25\u0e48\u0e07\u0e17\u0e35\u0e48\u0e21\u0e32<\/h3><ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/searchlaw.ocs.go.th\/council-of-state\/#\/public\/doc\/K2dTMURyaDllOXJVWVZqZGJLK09pdz09\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">\u0e1b\u0e23\u0e30\u0e21\u0e27\u0e25\u0e01\u0e0e\u0e2b\u0e21\u0e32\u0e22\u0e2d\u0e32\u0e0d\u0e32, Office of the Council of State<\/a>, \u0e40\u0e23\u0e35\u0e22\u0e01\u0e14\u0e39\u0e40\u0e21\u0e37\u0e48\u0e2d 31 \u0e15\u0e38\u0e25\u0e32\u0e04\u0e21 2569<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/searchlaw.ocs.go.th\/council-of-state\/#\/public\/doc\/UVdzUTNzUFZlT3VBOEw2allVWTZxZz09\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">\u0e1b\u0e23\u0e30\u0e21\u0e27\u0e25\u0e01\u0e0e\u0e2b\u0e21\u0e32\u0e22\u0e27\u0e34\u0e18\u0e35\u0e1e\u0e34\u0e08\u0e32\u0e23\u0e13\u0e32\u0e04\u0e27\u0e32\u0e21\u0e2d\u0e32\u0e0d\u0e32, Office of the Council of State<\/a>, \u0e40\u0e23\u0e35\u0e22\u0e01\u0e14\u0e39\u0e40\u0e21\u0e37\u0e48\u0e2d 31 \u0e15\u0e38\u0e25\u0e32\u0e04\u0e21 2569<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"section-329\">2. Section 329: The Four Statutory Defences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"defence-1-self-justification-or-legitimate-interest-section-329-1\">Defence 1: Self-Justification or Legitimate Interest (Section 329(1))<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A defendant who can prove the statement was made in good faith for self-justification or to protect a legitimate interest will be acquitted. The Supreme Court has interpreted \u201clegitimate interest\u201d broadly in certain contexts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This defence requires two elements. First, the defendant must have a recognisable legitimate interest at stake. Second, the statement must have been made in good faith to protect that interest. The connection between the statement and the interest must be direct and proportionate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"defence-2-official-functions-section-329-2\">Defence 2: Official Functions (Section 329(2))<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Government officials acting within the scope of their duties enjoy a qualified privilege. Reports, assessments, and communications within the chain of command are protected when made in good faith. The key limitation is that the statement must fall within the scope of the official\u2019s duties. Personal opinions expressed outside official capacity are not protected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"defence-3-fair-comment-on-public-matters-section-329-3\">Defence 3: Fair Comment on Public Matters (Section 329(3))<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the closest equivalent to the \u201cfair comment\u201d defence in common law jurisdictions. The defendant must show three things:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The subject matter was genuinely of public concern.<\/li>\n\n<li>The comment was fair and not motivated by malice.<\/li>\n\n<li>The comment was an expression of opinion, not a false assertion of fact.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Section 329(3) protects fair comment, in good faith, on any person or thing as any member of the public may comment, which is how criticism of politicians, officials and public bodies is usually defended. The Code sets no separate, higher threshold for claims brought by public figures. However, the \u201cfair comment\u201d defence is interpreted more narrowly in Thailand than in most Western jurisdictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"defence-4-fair-reporting-section-329-4\">Defence 4: Fair Reporting (Section 329(4))<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fair reporting of open court proceedings or public meetings is protected. The report must be fair, accurate, and made in good faith. This defence is particularly important for journalists and media organisations covering\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/criminal-trial-procedures-in-thailand\/\">criminal trial procedures<\/a>\u00a0or government meetings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"truth-defence\">3. Section 330: The Truth Defence and Its Limitations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Section 330 permits a defendant to prove the truth of the defamatory imputation. However, this defence has critical limitations that distinguish Thai law from most Western systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-public-interest-requirement\">The Public Interest Requirement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Section 330 lets the defendant prove that the imputation is true, and a defendant who does so is not punished. The one bar is narrow but important: proof is not allowed at all where the imputation concerns a personal matter and proving it would not benefit the public. Even a completely true statement can lead to a conviction if it relates solely to the victim\u2019s private life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"burden-of-proof-on-the-defendant\">Burden of Proof on the Defendant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The burden shifts to the defendant, who must prove that the statement is true, and, where it concerns a personal matter, that proving it would benefit the public. This is the reverse of many Western systems where the plaintiff bears the burden of proving falsity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-constitutes-public-interest\">What Constitutes \u201cPublic Interest\u201d?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Supreme Court precedents have established that government corruption allegations generally receive protection as serving the public interest. Business disputes or personal conflicts typically do not. The court evaluates statements holistically. It cannot separate personal from public elements unless they are clearly unrelated or targeted maliciously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"comparison-with-common-law-systems\">Comparison with Common Law Systems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the United States and United Kingdom, truth is generally an absolute defence to defamation. In Thailand, truth is only a partial defence. This is one of the most important differences for foreigners to understand. Behaviour that would be perfectly legal in your home country may be criminal in Thailand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"court-privilege\">4. Section 331: Absolute Privilege in Court Proceedings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Statements made by parties or their lawyers during court proceedings are absolutely privileged under Section 331. Any opinion or statement expressed in court in favour of a party\u2019s case cannot give rise to defamation liability. This recognises the necessity of free advocacy in the judicial process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This privilege is absolute. It does not require good faith. However, it is limited to statements made in the context of court proceedings and in favour of the party\u2019s case. Statements made outside court, even about the same subject matter, are not protected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"anti-slapp\">5. Anti-SLAPP Protections Under the Criminal Procedure Code<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cpc-section-161-1-dismissal-of-bad-faith-complaints\">Criminal Procedure Code Section 161\/1: Dismissal of Bad-Faith Complaints<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since the 2019 amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code, courts must dismiss a criminal case brought by a private prosecutor, including a defamation case, that was filed in bad faith or by distorting the facts in order to harass or take advantage of the defendant. Section 161\/1 also prevents refiling of dismissed cases. This is Thailand\u2019s primary anti-SLAPP provision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cpc-section-165-2-evidence-at-preliminary-hearing\">Criminal Procedure Code Section 165\/2: Evidence at Preliminary Hearing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Section 165\/2 lets the defendant tell the court at the preliminary examination the facts or points of law that show the case has no merit, and name the people, documents or objects that support this. The court may call them as its own witnesses. It gives courts the ability to screen out unmeritorious cases before they proceed to full trial. This creates a filtering mechanism similar to anti-SLAPP motions in jurisdictions like California.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"effectiveness-in-practice\">Effectiveness in Practice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These provisions represent important progress. However, a study by the Clooney Foundation for Justice found that none of 36 examined SLAPP cases were successfully dismissed under these protections. Implementation remains inconsistent. Courts are still developing their approach to these relatively new provisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite their limitations, these defences should always be raised by defendants facing what appear to be retaliatory or harassment-driven defamation complaints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"limitation\">6. Statute of Limitations as a Defence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Criminal defamation is a compoundable offence under <strong>Section 333<\/strong> of the Criminal Code. <strong>Section 96<\/strong> then provides that in the case of a compoundable offence, if the injured person does not lodge a complaint within three months from the date of becoming aware of the offence <em>and<\/em> of the offender, the case is barred by prescription. Both limbs have to be satisfied before the clock starts, and missing the deadline extinguishes the right to prosecute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This three-month window can be an effective defence in cases where the complainant has delayed. However, the timeline can be complicated in cases of ongoing harm or delayed discovery. A complaint lodged out of time leaves nothing to prosecute: the inquiry official may not investigate a compoundable offence without a valid complaint (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/thai-criminal-procedure-code\/section-121\/\">Criminal Procedure Code section 121<\/a>), and a court that finds the case prescribed must dismiss it (section 185). Raise the point anyway, with the evidence of when the complainant learned of the statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For civil defamation under the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/civil-liability-in-thailand\/\">Civil and Commercial Code<\/a>, the limitation period is one year from the day the injured person knew of the wrongful act and of the person liable, or ten years from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/glossary\/tort\/\">wrongful act<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"supreme-court\">7. Decided Cases on Defamation Defences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The cases below shape how the defences work in practice. The court that decided each one is stated, because it matters: a Supreme Court (Dika) decision settles the law, while an acquittal at first instance shows how a defence was argued and accepted in one case and binds nobody. Where a Dika number is given, the judgment has been read in the Thai original.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"decision-no-321-2568-2025-banners-criticising-a-provincial-governor\">Decision No. 321\/2568 (2025): Banners Criticising a Provincial Governor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Facts:<\/strong>\u00a0The defendant installed two large vinyl banners along a major public highway. They displayed the Governor of Phetchabun Province\u2019s image alongside allegations that the Governor \u201cbenefited capitalists and politicians\u201d by converting forest land for encroachers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Holding:<\/strong>\u00a0The Supreme Court affirmed the guilty verdict for both insulting a public official (Section 136) and defamation by publication (Section 328). The defendant was ordered to pay 500,000 Baht in civil <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/glossary\/damages\/\">damages<\/a> plus interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Principles:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Criticism of public officials is permissible but must be grounded in fact and expressed in good faith.<\/li>\n\n<li>Large banners in public spaces constitute \u201cpublication\u201d under Section 328.<\/li>\n\n<li>The Section 329 defence requires a demonstrated factual foundation. Merely believing wrongdoing occurred is insufficient. The defendant should have pursued proper legal remedies.<\/li>\n\n<li>The Court examined the location, size, and audience scope of the banners to determine communicative intent.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"decision-no-4403-2566-online-posts-are-publication-under-section-328\">Decision No. 4403\/2566: Online Posts Are Publication, and the Computer Crime Act Stacks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Holding:<\/strong>\u00a0Posting material about the complainant on a social network was defamation by publication under Section 328, not simple defamation under Section 326. The Court also held that the Section 328 offence and the offence under Section 14(4) of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/glossary\/computer-crime-act\/\">Computer Crime Act<\/a> B.E. 2550 are <em>two separate offences<\/em>, punished cumulatively under Section 91, because the two provisions protect different interests: Section 328 protects the complainant\u2019s reputation, while the Computer Crime Act provision protects the public. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/glossary\/court-of-appeal\/\">The Court of Appeal was reversed<\/a> and the trial court\u2019s judgment restored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Significance:<\/strong>\u00a0Section 328 raises the ceiling to two years\u2019 imprisonment <em>and<\/em> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/glossary\/fine\/\">a fine of up to 200,000 baht<\/a>, and Section 326\u2019s one year or 20,000 baht, or both, no longer applies. An online post can also carry a second, separate conviction under the Computer Crime Act rather than being absorbed into the defamation count.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"public-figure-doctrine-prime-minister-case\">Decision No. 1861\/2561: The Public Figure Doctrine (Prime Minister Case)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Facts:<\/strong>\u00a0A politician who had held the highest executive office as Prime Minister sued a political party and its speakers over statements attacking him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Holding:<\/strong>\u00a0The Supreme Court began from the purpose of Section 329, which exists so that a person expressing an opinion in good faith does not become an offender, and so that criticism remains possible within the limits the law sets. How far criticism may go depends not only on the elements of the offence but on the relationship between the speaker and the person criticised, where it happened, and the circumstances that gave rise to it. Because the plaintiff held the highest executive position and led the country, society at every level, in Thailand and abroad, expects him to be a person of integrity whose conduct is transparent and open to scrutiny in every aspect, direct and indirect, in the dimension of law and of morality alike. A public figure of that kind must accept criticism broadly, and those with an interest may comment in good faith. The acquittal of the first and second defendants was affirmed under Section 329(3).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Significance:<\/strong>\u00a0This is the closest Thai equivalent to the Western public figure doctrine. Note which limb carried it: Section 329(3), fair comment on a person or thing open to public criticism, not the truth defence. The higher the public office, the wider the criticism the holder has to tolerate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"andy-hall-case-supreme-court-acquittal-natural-fruit-v-andy-hall\">Andy Hall Case: Supreme Court Acquittal, 30 June 2020 (Natural Fruit v. Andy Hall)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Facts:<\/strong>\u00a0British human rights researcher Andy Hall was charged with criminal defamation and Computer Crime Act violations. He contributed to a report by Finnish NGO Finnwatch documenting labour abuses at a pineapple processing factory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Holding:<\/strong>\u00a0The Supreme Court upheld the acquittal. There was a real possibility of labour rights violations at the factory. The report was made in good faith for the protection of a legitimate interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Significance:<\/strong>\u00a0Good-faith reporting on corporate practices, supported by evidence, qualifies for the Section 329 defence. This applies even when the report is published internationally and causes significant reputational harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"phuketwan-journalists-alan-morison-and-chutima-sidasathian\">Phuketwan Journalists: Alan Morison and Chutima Sidasathian (Phuket Provincial Court, 2015)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Facts:<\/strong>\u00a0Journalists from the Phuketwan outlet were prosecuted by the Royal Thai Navy after republishing a paragraph from a Reuters report about the Rohingya crisis and alleged Thai naval involvement in human trafficking. The charges were criminal defamation under Sections 326 and 328 and Section 14(1) of the Computer Crime Act, carrying up to seven years between them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Holding:<\/strong>\u00a0Phuket Provincial Court acquitted both on 1 September 2015. The court held that the words were not defamatory because the report was useful to society, and that the Computer Crime Act was not intended to be used for defamation cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Significance:<\/strong>\u00a0This is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/glossary\/court-of-first-instance\/\">a first-instance acquittal<\/a>, not a Supreme Court ruling, so it settles nothing for later cases. It is worth knowing because of how it was won: the defence succeeded at the <em>elements<\/em> stage, on the argument that the words were not defamatory at all, rather than on Section 330 or Section 329. That is often the stronger place to fight, because Section 330 only removes the punishment and Section 329(4) is confined to reports of court or meeting proceedings, which a news article about trafficking is not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"myanmar-workers-victory-thammakaset-case-2018\">Myanmar Workers Victory (Thammakaset Case, first instance, 2018)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Facts:<\/strong>\u00a0A Bangkok court dismissed criminal defamation charges against 14 Myanmar workers who complained about labour abuses at the Thammakaset chicken farm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Holding:<\/strong>\u00a0The workers filed their complaint with Thailand\u2019s National Human Rights Commission in good faith. They did not provide false information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Significance:<\/strong>\u00a0Complaints made through official channels with supporting evidence may receive legal protection. This set an important precedent for labour rights. However, it remains an exception in Thailand\u2019s defamation landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"decision-509-510-2553-criticism-of-a-district-chief\">Decision No. 509-510\/2553: Complaining, Being Ignored, and Then Going Public<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Facts:<\/strong>\u00a0A resident of Bang Muang sub-district lodged a written complaint that a candidate for the sub-district council had not lived in the area for the required period and had used a forged house registration in his application. The District Chief of Mueang Nakhon Sawan, who supervised the sub-district organisation, did not have the complaint investigated and did not reply when the resident chased it. The resident and the editor of a local newspaper then published an article saying so. Both were convicted at first instance of one year\u2019s imprisonment and a 21,000 baht fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Holding:<\/strong>\u00a0The Supreme Court affirmed the acquittal on appeal. As a resident of the sub-district, the first defendant had a legitimate interest in how the sub-district organisation was run and in who sat on its council, and there was nothing to show either defendant intended to malign the District Chief in bad faith. The article was therefore a good-faith statement to protect a legitimate interest of his own, and fair comment on a matter open to public criticism. Not guilty under Section 329(1) and (3).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Significance:<\/strong>\u00a0This is the counterweight to 655\/2567 and 321\/2568. Those two say that bypassing the official channel destroys good faith. This one says that having used the channel and been stonewalled, speaking publicly about it can still be good faith, and that an ordinary resident has a legitimate interest in the conduct of the local body that governs them. The order matters: complain first, publish second.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-these-decisions-fit-together\">How These Decisions Fit Together<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Section 329(1) is not a licence and Section 329(3) is not a general right to criticise. Across the decisions above the same question decides every case: was the speaker protecting a real interest of their own through a channel that suits it, or reaching for an audience? A factual foundation, a proportionate audience, and use of the official route first are what the courts have actually rewarded. Embellishment, a public platform chosen over a complaint, and an allegation the speaker never tested are what they have punished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"burden\">8. Burden of Proof in Defamation Cases<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Understanding who bears the burden of proof is essential in Thai defamation cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"criminal-defamation\">Criminal Defamation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The prosecution must prove the three elements of defamation beyond reasonable doubt: an imputation, communication before a third person, and likelihood of reputational harm. However, once these elements are established, the burden shifts to the defendant to prove any applicable defence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"truth-defence-1\">Truth Defence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under Section 330, the defendant must prove that the statement is true, and, where it concerns a personal matter, that proving it would benefit the public. This is the opposite of common law systems where the plaintiff proves falsity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"good-faith-defences\">Good Faith Defences<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the Section 329 defences, the defendant must demonstrate good faith. Courts examine the totality of circumstances including the defendant\u2019s knowledge, motivation, and the manner of the statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"civil-defamation\">Civil Defamation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under CCC Section 423, the plaintiff must prove that the statement was false, caused actual damage, and that the defendant knew or ought to have known of the falsity. The negligence standard makes it easier for plaintiffs to establish liability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faq-defences\">9. Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1772839561146\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Does \u201cin my opinion\u201d protect me from defamation charges?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Generally, no. Section 326 asks whether the imputation is likely to damage the person&#8217;s reputation, however it is phrased, so hedging language does not change what the words impute. \u201cAllegedly,\u201d \u201crumour has it,\u201d and \u201cin my opinion\u201d provide no protection if the statement is likely to damage reputation.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1772839571794\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can truth alone save me from conviction?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Usually, if you can prove it: under Section 330 a defendant who proves the imputation true is not punished. The exception is a personal matter whose proof would not benefit the public, where proof is not even allowed, so a true statement about someone&#8217;s private life can still lead to conviction.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1772839572913\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What happens if the complainant filed after the three-month deadline?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The case should be dismissed. The three-month limitation for compoundable offences is a hard deadline. A court that finds the case prescribed must dismiss it under section 185 of the Criminal Procedure Code, whether or not the defendant raised it, though raising it with evidence of the dates is still the safe course.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1772839611511\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can I use the anti-SLAPP provisions to get a case dismissed?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, under Criminal Procedure Code Section 161\/1, where the case is brought by a private prosecutor rather than the public prosecutor. You must demonstrate that the complaint was filed in bad faith or for harassment. Under Section 165\/2, you can tell the court at the preliminary examination why the case lacks merit and name the people and documents that support you, and the court may call them as its own witnesses. However, success rates remain low.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1772839612294\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Are whistleblowers protected?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>There is limited protection. The Myanmar workers case shows that complaints made through official channels in good faith can be protected. However, Thailand does not have comprehensive whistleblower protection legislation. Each case is evaluated individually.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Facing defamation charges and need to understand your defence options?\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/online-consultation-with-a-thai-lawyer\/\">Book a consultation<\/a>\u00a0with a ThaiLawOnline lawyer experienced in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/criminal-law-thailand\/\">criminal defence<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Last reviewed: 5 September 2026. All five numbered Supreme Court decisions cited here were read in Thai against the court\u2019s own text, to the disposition, and each is reported correctly, including which limb of section 329 carried it: 1861\/2561 (acquittal affirmed under section 329(3)), 655\/2567 (section 329(1) refused, conviction affirmed), 509-510\/2553 (no offence under section 329(1) and (3), affirmed), 321\/2568 (sections 136 and 328 affirmed, section 329(1) and (3) rejected, 500,000 baht in damages), and 4403\/2566 (section 328 and Computer Crime Act section 14(4) punished cumulatively under section 91, Court of Appeal reversed). The three cases named without a decision number, Andy Hall, Phuketwan and Thammakaset, are widely reported but were not re-verified here and should be treated as background rather than as citations. Re-read on 4 October 2026: Penal Code sections 96 and 330 and Criminal Procedure Code sections 39, 121, 161\/1 and 185 were read in Thai. The truth defence was stated too narrowly, as though public interest were required in every case when section 330 bars proof only for a personal matter whose proof would not benefit the public; the statements that the defendant carries the limitation point and that courts will not take it themselves were wrong, because section 185 directs the court to dismiss a prescribed case; and section 161\/1 is now described as applying to private prosecutions only.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Being accused of defamation in Thailand does not mean automatic conviction. Thai law provides multiple defences under the\u00a0Criminal Code\u00a0and Criminal [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":11439,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"pmpro_default_level":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":"","tlo_reviewed_on":"","tlo_reviewed_by":"","tlo_edited_by":"","tlo_changelog":"[{\"date\":\"2026-11-02\",\"note\":\"Added the statute box with Thai, English and French text and checked the page against the official text\"}]","tlo_authority_on":"1","tlo_box_sections":"","tlo_box_cases":"","rank_math_focus_keyword":"defamation defences in thailand","rank_math_title":"Defamation Defences in Thailand: Cases - ThaiLawOnline","rank_math_description":"A police complaint is not defamation if it is made in good faith to protect your own interest. Penal Code s.329(1), and the cases that apply it.","rank_math_breadcrumb_title":"Defamation Defences in Thailand","rank_math_canonical_url":""},"class_list":["post-80","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","pmpro-has-access"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/80","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=80"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/80\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12444,"href":"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/80\/revisions\/12444"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11439"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thailawonline.com\/th\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=80"}],"curies":[{"name":"\u0e14\u0e31\u0e1a\u0e40\u0e1a\u0e34\u0e25\u0e22\u0e39\u0e1e\u0e35","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}