I was reading an article in the Phuket Gazette where some people were charged with stealing cars and motorcycles and were charged with night theft. What is the difference in penalty in Thai law between a "Night Theft vs Day Theft."

I was told that night theft, specifically home burglary, holds a greater penalty due to a more dangerous situation. That is, theft at night when the likely hood of someone being at home and potential conflict is a more dangerous situation than a daytime burglary. Not clear how it applies to cars/MCs though.

In the US they have similar laws in terms of burglary including it being a much more serious offence if you commit burglary while people are home (sleeping). Some jurisdictions in the US don't even call it a burglary unless it happens at night and instead call it breaking & entry or house breaking. Yet, there are also places where you can be charged with burglary for shoplifting as the definition is to enter a residence or business with the intent to steal (commit a crime).

However, I've never heard of theft being charged differently at night but that doesn't mean it isn't.

Bottom line is the entire legal system in most countries is not about safety & crime but has become about politicians (usually lawyers) trying to make names for themselves while making sure lawyers are the only one who can understand the laws.

Edited August 7, 201114 yr by Nisa