Section 383 — Failure to render aid
English translation
Whoever, upon seeing another person in danger to life whom he could assist without reasonable fear of danger to himself or to others, fails to render reasonable assistance shall be liable to imprisonment not exceeding one month, or a fine not exceeding ten 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
This is Thailand's duty-to-rescue provision, a rare instance in which the Code punishes an omission. The elements are (1) seeing another person in danger to life, (2) being able to assist without reasonable fear of danger to oneself or others, and (3) failing to render reasonable assistance. The duty is bounded: it arises only where help can be given safely, and it requires only reasonable assistance, not heroics. It sits at the end of the safety-related petty offences and applies to bystanders generally, not only to those who caused the danger.
Why this matters in practice
Penalty exposure is one month's imprisonment or a fine up to 10,000 baht. The defence most often turns on whether help could truly have been given without reasonable fear of danger to the bystander or to others, and on what assistance was reasonable in the moment. A person who takes some reasonable step, such as summoning help, generally satisfies the duty even if the outcome is tragic.
Frequently asked questions
Does Thai law require bystanders to help someone in danger?
Yes, in limited terms. Section 383 punishes failing to give reasonable help to a person in danger to life when it can be done without reasonable fear of danger to oneself or others.
Must I risk my own life to comply with Section 383?
No. The duty arises only where help can be given without reasonable fear of danger to yourself or others, and only reasonable assistance is required.