Sections 326–328 of the Thai Criminal Code establish several defamation offences with sentences of up to two years’ imprisonment and fines of up to 200,000 Thai Baht . The defences to defamation charges provided by the Criminal Code fall far short of international standards. Moreover, private parties may initiate criminal proceedings against others by filing a complaint with the police or directly with courts. These factors open the door to the arbitrary and abusive application of the law against activists, journalists, whistleblowers, and others working to advance the public interest.