Section 292 — Driving a person to suicide by cruelty
English translation
Whoever, by any means, causes another person to commit suicide or to attempt suicide, that person having been subjected to grave mental cruelty, if the suicide or the attempted suicide has occurred, shall be liable to imprisonment not exceeding five years, or a fine not exceeding one hundred 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) an act by any means that subjects the victim to grave mental cruelty, (2) which causes the victim to commit or attempt suicide, and (3) an actual suicide or attempt as a result. The provision sits in the Title on Offences against Life as a distinct wrong: the offender does not directly kill but produces the victim's self-destruction through cruelty. Grave mental cruelty is the qualifying condition, so ordinary harshness or conflict is not enough. The occurrence of the suicide or the attempt is a condition of liability, not merely the harm.
Why this matters in practice
Exposure is up to five years imprisonment, so this is a serious charge that turns on proving both the grave mental cruelty and a causal link to the suicide or attempt. In practice the hard issues are causation and whether the cruelty reached the required severity, both of which are fact-heavy and benefit from early legal advice. Anyone facing such an allegation, or a family considering a complaint, should consult a Thai lawyer before proceeding.
Frequently asked questions
Is it a crime to drive someone to suicide in Thailand?
Yes. Under Section 292, subjecting a person to grave mental cruelty that causes them to commit or attempt suicide is an offence punishable by up to five years imprisonment, provided the suicide or attempt actually occurs.
Does the victim have to actually die for Section 292 to apply?
No. The section applies where the suicide occurs or where the victim attempts suicide, so an attempt that fails is still within the offence.