Section 375 — Public indecency and obscene acts
English translation
Whoever commits an act likely to cause shame in public by being naked or exposing the body, or by committing any other obscene act, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five thousand baht.
This English translation is provided for reference only and has not yet been firm-verified — always rely on the Thai original.
Firm annotation
This section sits in the Petty Offences title and criminalizes public indecency. The elements are (1) an act likely to cause shame, (2) committed in public view (to phana kamnan), and (3) by nakedness, exposure of the body, or another obscene act. It is a minor offence carrying only a fine, distinct from the more serious sexual offences dealt with elsewhere in the Code, which require an act of indecency against a specific victim.
Why this matters in practice
The only penalty exposure here is a fine of up to 5,000 baht, so a conviction does not carry imprisonment. The key contested element is usually whether the act was truly in public view and whether it was likely to cause shame, which turns on the surrounding circumstances rather than the actor's intent alone. Because this is a petty offence, the practical stakes are limited, but a record can still matter for foreigners on visa or character grounds.
Frequently asked questions
Is public nudity a crime in Thailand?
Yes. Under Section 375, exposing the body or committing an obscene act in public in a way likely to cause shame is a petty offence punishable by a fine of up to 5,000 baht.
Does Section 375 carry a prison sentence?
No. The only penalty stated is a fine not exceeding 5,000 baht; there is no imprisonment for this petty offence.