Important Laws in Thailand - There are a few things you really shouldn't do in Thailand unless you want to see the inside of the Bangkok Hilton, and according to some first-hand reports, no one really wants to do that.
We have put together what we believe to be the five most common causes that can get you into real trouble - and at the very end you can still smile.
overstay
If you get caught in an expired residence permit check, you'll definitely be arrested, whether you're a day or a year past the deadline. Depending on how many days you have covered, expect you Fines and deportation detention, From 90 days overstay you will also be put on the so-called black list for five years, that means entry ban.
If it happens to you that you have lost sight of the duration of your visa, then speak as soon as possible at the next immigration office. The penalties are lower if you report yourself and admit your mistake.
The most common way to book the return flight is by mistake one or two days after the residence permit expires. In this case, you can go to the airport, before You set yourself up for departure, go to the Immigration Office, explain yourself, and pay your 500 Baht administrative fine per day with Overstay.
Drying
Stay away from illegal drugs! Thailand imposes harsh penalties for drug possession and use.
The Kingdom of Thailand's stance on illegal drugs is most evident in the following statement, from the Customs Department website:
“Individuals who violate laws relating to illegal drugs, such as the use and possession of drugs, or the manufacture, sale or transportation of drugs, may be sentenced to death.”
You are reading correctly, the death penalty! Stay away from illegal drugs, never buy, consume or transport illegal drugs in Thailand.
Slander / criticism
First, you have to know that it is before this law no matter is whether what you write or say is true or not. Thailand has one of the strictest defamation laws in the world.
In this country, defamation is also defined as “damage to a company or a person towards third parties”, but in Europe the offense of defamation is linked to untruth. This also includes reviews on the internet! The concept of constructive criticism is unknown in Thailand.
If you have a problem in a shop or restaurant, you should discuss it discreetly with the operators or owners. If you remain calm and polite, your chances of finding a solution in your favor are good.
Insult to the royal family
There is very active and often used in Thailand Law of Majesty's Insult. “Lese Majeste” is a law introduced in Thailand in 1908 that states that it is a serious offense to make offensive actions or statements towards the King of Thailand, the Royal Family or the Thai Monarchy.
Defacing, destroying or showing disrespectful behavior towards images of the king also fall under this law. So be careful with Thai money, it carries that Image of the king. Never step on a coin or banknote with your foot, or tear up a banknote!
As a side note, it should be mentioned that this law can theoretically even apply if you insult foreign monarchs or heads of state.
In Thailand, little is said about the royal family, let alone critically. In our home countries we are not used to having to keep our opinions about politics or politicians behind the scenes, but in Thailand people really don't take it as a joke.
We therefore generally recommend not in public about the Thai royal house or the Thai government to express.
Also interesting
E-Cigarettes
The import, possession and use of e-cigarettes have been in Thailand since 2014 verboten. They face fines of up to 20.000 baht and prison sentences of up to 10 years.
According to media reports, travelers are arrested at the airport because an e-cigarette was discovered in her luggage. In some places, there is a very strict crackdown on e-cigarettes, such as in Pattaya, but on Koh Phangan vapers are largely ignored.
However, the fact remains that vaping is prohibited under penalty of law and the law can be applied at any time.
Seriously aside - in the end it will be amusing
Unexpected - The Shirt Law 🙄
In Thailand, it is illegal by law to drive a shirtless car.
Curious - The Underwear Law 🤭
Under Thai law, it is illegal to go out in public without underwear. Although we haven't had any reports of travelers being arrested for this crime, listen to what your mother always said and always leave the house in fresh underwear.
