Section 127 — Espionage for a foreign state
English translation
Whoever commits espionage for a foreign state within the Kingdom shall be liable to imprisonment of three to twenty years.
This English translation is provided for reference only and has not yet been firm-verified — always rely on the Thai original.
Firm annotation
Section 127 criminalises espionage carried out within the Kingdom for a foreign state, and closes the espionage group in the external-security chapter. Its elements are an act of espionage, a foreign-state purpose, and commission within the territory of the Kingdom. It stands as a broad, standalone spying offence distinct from the specific obtaining and disclosure provisions of Sections 124 to 126, and its wide penalty band of three to twenty years reflects the range of seriousness such activity can carry. When committed during hostilities or war, Section 128 elevates the exposure to death or life imprisonment.
Why this matters in practice
Espionage is a broadly worded offence, so the defence typically contests whether the conduct amounts to spying at all and whether it was for a foreign state. Exposure is wide, from three to twenty years, and rises to death or life imprisonment in wartime under Section 128; the offence is not compoundable. Because the label espionage can attach to a range of information-gathering, precise factual characterisation matters greatly; see criminal law in Thailand.
Frequently asked questions
What is the penalty for espionage under Section 127?
Imprisonment of three to twenty years, and death or life imprisonment if committed during hostilities or war under Section 128.
How is Section 127 different from Sections 124 and 125?
Sections 124 and 125 target specific acts of obtaining or disclosing a defined secret, while Section 127 is a broader standalone offence of espionage for a foreign state within the Kingdom.