Section 30/1 — Community service in lieu of fine
English translation
In a case where the court passes judgment imposing a fine not exceeding eighty thousand baht, if the person liable to the fine has no money to pay the fine and is not a juristic person, that person may submit a petition to the Court of First Instance that adjudicated the case, requesting to perform social service or work for the public benefit in lieu of the fine.
When the court receives the petition, the court shall consider the financial status, record and nature of the offense of the person liable to the fine. If it deems appropriate, the court may issue an order permitting that person to perform social service or work for the public benefit in lieu of the fine.
In granting permission, the court must determine the nature or type of work, the supervisor, the period, and other conditions as the court deems appropriate, taking into account the sex, age, record, health, religion, conduct, intelligence, education and training, and mental condition of that person.
This English translation is provided for reference only and has not yet been firm-verified — always rely on the Thai original.
Firm annotation
This sits in Book 1, the title on Punishments and Measures of Safety, among the fine-enforcement provisions (Sections 29 to 30/3). It is an alternative to detention in lieu of an unpaid fine under Sections 29 and 30: instead of being detained, a natural person of limited means may work off the fine. Eligibility is capped at fines of 80,000 baht, excludes juristic persons, and rests on the trial court's discretion after examining the offender's means and the offense. Sections 30/2 and 30/3 complete the scheme, governing revocation of the permission and the finality of the court's order.
Why this matters in practice
If you are fined and genuinely cannot pay, this route avoids detention in lieu of the fine, but you must petition the same trial court and satisfy it as to your means. The permission is conditional: under Section 30/2 the court can revoke it and order payment or detention if you can afford to pay or breach the conditions, crediting each day worked at 200 baht. Only natural persons qualify, so a company fined for an offense cannot use it (see corporate criminal liability in Thailand).
Supreme Court decisions interpreting this section
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Supreme Court Judgment No. 8875/2554 (2011)
An order for default enforcement of an unpaid fine should not cite Section 30/1, because community service in lieu of a fine arises only on the offender's own petition, not as an automatic default measure.
In a joint assault and firearm-imitation case, the court noted that in ordering how an unpaid fine was to be enforced, Section 30/1 should not have been listed, since that provision applies only when the convicted person petitions to perform community service in lieu of the fine.
Curated decisions with case numbers verified against the Supreme Court database. English renderings are the firm's editorial translation for study.
Frequently asked questions
Who can do community service instead of paying a fine in Thailand?
A natural person, not a company, fined up to 80,000 baht who cannot pay may petition the trial court under Section 30/1 to work off the fine through community or public benefit service.
How much is one day of community service worth against a fine?
Under Section 30/2, if the permission is later revoked, each day of work already performed is credited at 200 baht against the fine.
Can the court refuse community service in lieu of a fine?
Yes. It is discretionary; the court weighs your finances, record, and the nature of the offense before deciding.