Section 192 — Harboring an escapee from custody
English translation
Whoever gives lodging to, conceals, or by any means assists a person who has escaped from confinement under the authority of a court, an inquiry official, or an official having power to investigate criminal cases, so that such person is not arrested, shall be liable to imprisonment not exceeding three years, or a fine not exceeding sixty 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
The elements are: (1) a person who has escaped from confinement held under a court, inquiry official, or criminal investigator; (2) an act of lodging, concealing, or otherwise assisting that person; and (3) the intent to keep that person from being arrested. It is the counterpart to Sections 190 and 191: where those punish the escape itself and the freeing of a detainee, Section 192 punishes the later act of harboring the escapee. It parallels Section 189 (harboring a general offender or suspect) but is specific to someone who has fled lawful custody. Section 193 lets the court waive punishment where the assistance was given to the offender's own parent, child, or spouse.
Why this matters in practice
Exposure is up to three years, so sheltering an escaped detainee is a real criminal risk, distinct from harboring an ordinary suspect under Section 189. Intent to prevent arrest is essential: giving help without knowing the person had escaped custody is not caught. A close-family relationship (parent, child, spouse) can lead the court to waive punishment under Section 193. Anyone contacted by police after a wanted person stayed with them should get criminal law advice in Thailand before making statements.
Frequently asked questions
How is Section 192 different from Section 189?
Section 189 covers harboring a general offender or suspect, while Section 192 specifically covers sheltering a person who has escaped from lawful custody. Section 192 carries up to three years' imprisonment.
Can the court waive punishment for helping a family member who escaped?
Yes. Under Section 193, if the assistance under Section 192 was given to the offender's own parent, child, husband, or wife, the court may decide not to impose punishment.