Section 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.
Frequently asked questions
Can a defendant question a victim about past sexual partners in a rape case?
Not as of right. Section 226/4 prohibits evidence and cross-examination about the victim's sexual behavior with people other than the defendant unless the court grants permission because it is necessary for a just decision.
How does the court decide whether to allow such questions?
The court grants permission only where it considers that admitting the evidence or questions will bring about justice in adjudicating the case, so the sexual history must be genuinely relevant, not used to attack the victim's character.