Section 345/1 — Fraud by electronic transfer
English translation
Whoever dishonestly deceives another person by asserting a false statement or by concealing facts that should be disclosed, and by such deception obtains an electronic funds transfer of the person deceived or of a third person into the account of the offender or of a third person, 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
Section 345/1 (มาตรา 345/1) modernizes the cheating and fraud chapter for electronic banking. Its elements are dishonest deception by a false statement or by concealing facts that should be disclosed, and, as the specific result, obtaining an electronic funds transfer of the person deceived or a third person into the offender's account or that of a third person. It maps the base fraud concept under Section 341 onto the mechanism of digital money transfers, which is central to modern scams. It is distinct from public fraud provisions because it addresses one-to-one deception that results in an electronic transfer, and its penalty band matches base fraud at up to three years.
Why this matters in practice
Exposure is up to three years or a fine. In practice these cases hinge on the transfer trail, so bank records, account ownership and the timing of transfers are central evidence, and prosecutions are often combined with money-laundering or computer-crime charges when a scam network is involved. Where the deception is aimed at a specific individual, this section applies; where it is broadcast to the public, the public-fraud provisions may apply instead, which affects compoundability. Anyone facing such a charge should preserve chat records, transfer receipts and the account history. See our guide to fraud and scam laws in Thailand.
Frequently asked questions
What does Section 345/1 cover?
It covers dishonest deception that obtains an electronic funds transfer of the victim or a third person into the account of the offender or a third person.
What is the penalty under Section 345/1?
Imprisonment not exceeding three years, or a fine not exceeding sixty thousand baht, or both, and it is often charged alongside other offences in scam networks.
Does Section 345/1 apply to online scams that transfer money?
Yes, where an individual is deceived into an electronic transfer. If the deception is broadcast to the public, the public-fraud provisions may apply instead.