Section 117 — Strikes and boycotts against State security
English translation
Whoever incites or organises a joint strike, a joint lockout, a refusal to employ, or a joint refusal to trade with any person, in a manner that would affect the security of the State or would be contrary to public order or the good morals of the people, shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding seven years or a fine not exceeding one hundred and forty thousand baht, or both.
This English translation is provided for reference only and has not yet been firm-verified — always rely on the Thai original.
Firm annotation
Section 117 closes the title on offences against the internal security of the Kingdom by addressing collective economic action that is turned against the State or public order. The prohibited conduct is inciting or organising a joint strike, a joint lockout, a refusal to employ, or a joint refusal to trade with a person. The offence is not made out by the collective action alone: it must be done in a manner that would affect the security of the State or be contrary to public order or the good morals of the people, which confines the section to industrial or commercial action with that harmful quality rather than ordinary labour disputes. Unlike most offences in this title, it offers a fine as an alternative to imprisonment.
Why this matters in practice
The key defence point is the qualifying element: a strike, lockout or boycott is only an offence here if it would affect State security or run contrary to public order or good morals, so ordinary labour or commercial disputes conducted lawfully fall outside the section. Penalty exposure is up to seven years imprisonment or a fine of up to 140,000 baht, or both, and the availability of a fine gives the court room for a non-custodial outcome. Because the harmful quality of the action is central, evidence about the purpose and effect of the collective action is usually decisive.
Frequently asked questions
Are all strikes an offence under Section 117?
No. A strike, lockout or boycott is only an offence here if it is incited or organised in a manner that would affect the security of the State or be contrary to public order or good morals; ordinary lawful labour disputes are not covered.
What is the penalty under Section 117?
The offence carries imprisonment not exceeding seven years or a fine not exceeding 140,000 baht, or both, so a non-custodial fine is possible.