Section 131 — Defaming a foreign head of state
English translation
Whoever defames, insults or expresses malice against the head of a foreign state shall be liable to imprisonment of one to seven years, or a fine of twenty thousand to one hundred 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 131 sits in the chapter on friendly relations with foreign states and criminalises three verbal or expressive forms of conduct against the head of a foreign state: defamation, insult, and expressing malice. The protected subject being a foreign head of state is the element that distinguishes it from ordinary defamation and insult under the offences against reputation. It offers alternative penalties, imprisonment, a fine, or both, giving the court wide sentencing discretion within a one to seven year and twenty thousand to one hundred forty thousand baht range. The fine figures reflect the amounts amended into the Penal Code's reputation and related provisions.
Why this matters in practice
Unlike Thailand's ordinary criminal defamation of private persons, this is an offence against the State's interest in friendly foreign relations and is not compoundable, so it cannot simply be settled between the parties. The elements track defamation and insult, so truth, fair comment and lack of intent can be relevant lines of defence, but the foreign head-of-state target changes the framing. Penalty exposure runs to seven years or a substantial fine or both. For how criminal reputation offences operate more generally, see defamation laws in Thailand.
Frequently asked questions
How is Section 131 different from ordinary defamation?
Ordinary criminal defamation protects private persons and is compoundable, while Section 131 protects the head of a foreign state as part of Thailand's friendly foreign relations and is not compoundable.
What is the penalty under Section 131?
Imprisonment of one to seven years, or a fine of twenty thousand to one hundred forty thousand baht, or both.