Section 351 — Two paths for enforcing eviction
Statutory text (Thai original)
ในกรณีที่คำพิพากษาหรือคำสั่งของศาลให้ขับไล่ลูกหนี้ตามคำพิพากษาออกไปจากอสังหาริมทรัพย์ ที่อยู่อาศัย หรือทรัพย์ที่ครอบครอง
(๑) ถ้าทรัพย์นั้นไม่มีบุคคลใดอยู่แล้ว ให้เจ้าพนักงานบังคับคดีดำเนินการตามมาตรา ๓๕๒
(๒) ถ้าลูกหนี้ตามคำพิพากษาหรือบริวารไม่ออกไปจากทรัพย์นั้น ให้เจ้าพนักงานบังคับคดีดำเนินการตามมาตรา ๓๕๓
English translation
Where a judgment or order of the court directs the eviction of the judgment debtor from immovable property, a dwelling, or property in possession:
(1) if there is no longer any person in that property, the executing officer shall proceed under Section 352;
(2) if the judgment debtor or his dependents do not move out of that property, the executing officer shall proceed under Section 353.
This English translation is provided for reference only and has not yet been firm-verified — always rely on the Thai original.
Firm annotation
This section is the decision point within Chapter 4's Part 1 on eviction from immovable property, dwellings or possessed property. It tells the executing officer, on arriving to enforce the eviction, which downstream procedure applies according to whether anyone remains. An empty property moves straight to handover under Section 352, while an occupied one triggers the tougher measures in Section 353, including reporting to the court and dealing with persons claiming an independent right. It works in sequence with Sections 352, 353 and 354, which define handover, coercive steps and who counts as a dependent.
Why this matters in practice
The practical dividing line is simple: is anyone still living in or holding the property when the officer arrives. If it is vacant, handover is quick under Section 352. If the losing party or people connected to them stay put, the case escalates to Section 353, which is slower and can involve the court ordering arrest. Do not assume an eviction is automatic; occupied property takes longer and needs careful handling. If you are recovering a rented home or disputed land, plan for the occupied scenario. Our guide to going to court in Thailand explains what to expect.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if the property is already empty at eviction?
Under Section 351(1), if no one remains in the property the executing officer proceeds under Section 352 to put the creditor in possession.
What if the occupants refuse to move out?
Under Section 351(2), if the judgment debtor or their dependents will not leave, the executing officer proceeds under Section 353, which allows stronger measures including a report to the court.