Section 343/1 — Online public fraud
English translation
Whoever commits the offence of cheating and fraud by asserting a false statement to the public, or by concealing facts that should be disclosed to the public, through a computer system or electronic media of a nature that makes it generally accessible to the public, 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
Section 343/1 (มาตรา 343/1) extends the cheating and fraud chapter to deception aimed at the public through digital channels. Its elements combine the base fraud concept with two features: the deception is directed at the public rather than a single victim, and it is committed through a computer system or electronic media of a nature that makes it generally accessible. It sits alongside the traditional public-fraud provision and addresses the modern reality of online scams broadcast to large audiences. Like public fraud, its focus on deceiving the general public through publicly accessible media distinguishes it from one-to-one fraud under Section 341 and gives it the heavier five-year penalty band.
Why this matters in practice
Exposure runs up to five years or a fine, or both, and online scam cases are frequently charged together with the Computer Crime Act, which can add separate penalties. Because the offence targets deception of the public through generally accessible media, a defence may test whether the statements were aimed at the public at large or only at a specific person, which affects whether this section or ordinary fraud applies. Public-fraud style offences are state offences that are not compoundable, so settlement with individual victims does not by itself end the prosecution. See our guide to fraud and scam laws in Thailand.
Frequently asked questions
What does Section 343/1 cover?
It covers cheating and fraud committed against the public through a computer system or electronic media that is generally accessible, by a false statement or by concealing facts that should be disclosed to the public.
What is the penalty for online public fraud?
Section 343/1 sets imprisonment not exceeding five years, or a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand baht, or both, and it is often charged with the Computer Crime Act.
Is online public fraud compoundable?
Public-fraud style offences are state offences that are not compoundable, so settling with individual victims does not by itself end the prosecution.