Thailand, March 18th, 2025 — Deputy Government Spokesperson Sasikarn Wattanachan announced that the Thai Cabinet has approved in principle an amendment to the Domestic Violence Victim Protection Act (2007) proposed by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS).
The amendment broadens the definition of domestic violence to include not only physical, psychological, and health-related harm but also sexual harassment, threats, and actions that could damage a person’s reputation.
Penalties for domestic violence have been increased. Offenders now face up to six months in prison or a fine of up to 60,000 baht, or both — a significant increase from the previous 6,000 baht fine.
Repeat offenses within three years or offenses against minors under 18 will carry penalties up to 50% higher than the standard punishment.
The amendment also allows victims or officials to seek protection orders from the Juvenile and Family Court to prevent further violence and protect victims’ welfare, which was not previously covered under the law.
This means that online threats or actions intended to harm someone’s reputation—such as defamatory statements—within a domestic context would now fall under the scope of domestic violence as defined by this amended law, possibly on top of Thailand’s already very strict defamation and libel laws as well as potentially computer crimes laws.
The inclusion of “actions that could damage a person’s reputation” and “threats” suggests that online behavior, such as posting defamatory content or issuing threats via digital platforms, could be prosecuted as domestic violence if committed by a family member or someone within the domestic sphere.
