Section 207 — Disturbing a religious ceremony
English translation
Whoever commits any act causing disorder in an assembly of religious adherents engaged in the performance of a lawful religious ceremony 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
This provision protects the peaceful conduct of religious worship. Its elements are: (1) an act by any means that causes disorder, (2) within an assembly of religious adherents, and (3) while they are performing a lawful religious ceremony. The Supreme Court has treated the offence as complete once the disruptive act is done, even if the congregation itself does not actually break into chaos, because the section aims at the disturbance of the ceremony rather than at any resulting riot. It sits between Section 206, which punishes insulting a religious object or place, and Section 208, which punishes false impersonation of a monk or priest.
Why this matters in practice
Exposure is up to three years, and because it is an offence against public order the police, not the congregation, control the prosecution. A defendant cannot escape liability merely by showing the worshippers stayed calm, since the offence targets the disruptive act itself. Where the disturbance also involves weapons, threats, or assault, additional charges commonly follow, so an incident at a temple or ceremony can produce several counts at once.
Supreme Court decisions interpreting this section
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Supreme Court Judgment No. 1100/2516 (1973)
Causing a disturbance in a religious assembly is an offence under Section 207 even if those attending did not react with disorder.
During a merit-making chanting ceremony for the deceased, the defendant shouted, disparaged the monk, and drew and pointed a pistol toward him. The Court held that even though the gathering showed no chaotic reaction, the act still constituted an offence under Section 207.
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Supreme Court Judgment No. 392/2500 (1957)
Insulting a monk and kicking ceremonial offerings during a religious assembly disturbs the ceremony and is punishable under Section 207.
While villagers assembled to present flower offerings and a wax castle to the abbot, the drunken defendant entered, cursed the monk, and kicked the wax offering. The conduct was punished under Section 207 as the lighter applicable provision.
Curated decisions with case numbers verified against the Supreme Court database. English renderings are the firm's editorial translation for study.
Frequently asked questions
Is it still an offence if the worshippers did not actually panic?
Yes. The Supreme Court has held the offence is complete once the disruptive act is done, even if the congregation did not react with disorder.
What is the penalty under Section 207?
Imprisonment of up to three years, or a fine of up to 60,000 baht, or both.
Does the ceremony have to be lawful?
Yes. The section applies to an assembly performing a lawful religious ceremony.