Section 205 — Bribery of a judicial officer
English translation
Whoever, being a public official having a position or duty in the administration of justice, demands, accepts, or agrees to accept property or any other benefit for himself or for another person as consideration for doing any act in his office, whether or not that act is proper or improper to his duty, shall be liable to imprisonment from five years to twenty years, or imprisonment for life, and a fine from one hundred thousand baht to four hundred thousand baht, or death.
This English translation is provided for reference only and has not yet been firm-verified — always rely on the Thai original.
Firm annotation
This is the judicial-bribery provision within the chapter on malfeasance in judicial office. Its elements are: (1) a public official who holds a position or duty in the administration of justice, (2) who demands, accepts, or agrees to accept property or any benefit, (3) for himself or another, and (4) as consideration for performing an act of his office. The offence is complete on the demand or agreement to accept, so no money need actually change hands, and it applies whether the act bought is itself lawful or unlawful. The exceptionally severe penalty range, up to death, marks how gravely the Code treats corruption that strikes at the integrity of the justice system, separating it from ordinary official bribery under Section 149.
Why this matters in practice
This is among the most severely punished offences in the Penal Code, with exposure ranging up to death, and it cannot be settled privately because it is a corruption offence against the State. The offence bites at the point of demanding or agreeing to accept, so recorded requests, intermediaries, and message trails are common evidence. Because the stakes are extreme, anyone under investigation should secure specialist defence at once; you can start with a consultation with a Thai lawyer.
Frequently asked questions
Does money have to change hands for a Section 205 offence?
No. Merely demanding or agreeing to accept the bribe completes the offence, even if nothing is actually paid.
Does it matter if the act bought was itself lawful?
No. The offence applies whether the act done in office is proper or improper to the official's duty.
How serious is the penalty under Section 205?
Very serious: five to twenty years' imprisonment, life imprisonment, or death, together with a fine of 100,000 to 400,000 baht.