Legal Age of Consent in Thailand (siam-legal.com)
read this then you know more.
the source of the text below is part of website Legal Age of Consent in Thailand (siam-legal.com)
Understanding Age of Consent in Thailand
The term ‘age of consent’ specifically refers to the minimum age at which a person is considered legally competent to provide consent for engaging in sexual acts. Individuals below this age do not possess the legal capacity to consent to sexual activities.
In Thailand, the age of consent is set at 15 years old. This implies that individuals aged 14 or younger are not legally permitted to provide consent for any form of sexual activity. If an individual over the age of consent engages in a sexual act with someone below this age, it may be deemed ‘statutory rape,’ and the older person could face legal charges for violating the law.
Unlike some jurisdictions, Thailand does not have a close-in-age exemption, commonly known as “Romeo and Juliet laws.” The absence of such an exemption means that even consensual sexual activity between two individuals under the age of 15 could lead to legal consequences.
It’s important to understand that Thai law makes a distinction between laws regulating sexual activity, as outlined in the Penal Code, and laws governing marriage and family matters, detailed in the Civil and Commercial Code. The legal age for consenting to sexual activities is set at 15. Legal adulthood, on the other hand, is acknowledged from the age of 20 onward. While the minimum age for marriage consent is established at 17.
Other Relevant Laws
Beyond regulations concerning the age of consent, Thailand has specific laws targeting sexual offenses and rape cases, with penalties contingent on factors such as the victim’s age and the nature of the offense.
Recent trends highlight an increase in rape cases throughout Thailand. Section 276 of the Criminal Code specifies that engaging in non-consensual sexual intercourse with an individual, through threats, violence, or exploitation of their vulnerable state, may lead to imprisonment for 4 to 20 years and a fine ranging from 80,000 to 400,000 Baht.
For cases involving minors, penalties intensify. If the victim is under 15, irrespective of consent, the offender could face 20 years in prison and a fine of 80,000 to 400,000 Baht. If the victim is under 13, the imprisonment term varies from 7 to 20 years. Armed offenses against a minor may result in a life sentence.
Regarding indecent acts, the procurement, seduction, or abduction of individuals for such acts may result in imprisonment for up to 10 years and a fine of up to 200,000 Baht. Offenses against those aged 15 to 18 or under 15 carry more severe penalties, including life imprisonment or death.
Thailand’s legal framework also addresses issues such as child prostitution and pornography. The Child Protection Act and the Criminal Code include provisions dealing with sexual violence against children. Offenses like producing, possessing, or distributing obscene material can lead to imprisonment and hefty fines.
Prostitution and the sale of sexual services are technically illegal in Thailand. Child prostitution carries even more severe consequences, emphasizing the moral and ethical implications of such actions. The intricate legal landscape underscores the importance of legal awareness to ensure compliance and protect individuals from sexual offenses and exploitation.