Educational Information Only
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Thai Statute Browser — Section-by-Section Reference
A curated, browsable English-language reference to the most-cited sections of Thailand's core legislation: the Civil and Commercial Code, the Penal Code, the Revenue Code, the Immigration Act and the Labour Protection Act. Each entry summarises a section in plain English for educational use; for the authoritative wording always consult the Royal Gazette.
The summaries here are plain-English educational paraphrases — not authoritative translations. Section numbers follow the conventional numbering used in Thai practice. For the binding text, consult the Royal Gazette or the Office of the Council of State. Educational use only — not a substitute for advice from a Thai-qualified lawyer.
Civil & Commercial17
Civil and Commercial Code(CCC)
ประมวลกฎหมายแพ่งและพาณิชย์ · B.E. 2468 (1925)
The Civil and Commercial Code (CCC) is Thailand's primary code of private law. It governs persons, property, obligations (including contracts and torts), family, succession and basic commercial relationships (partnerships and companies). Originally promulgated in 1925 and substantially based on continental civil-law models with adaptations to Thai conditions, the Code has been amended many times — most recently in 2023 to modernise company-law rules. It is the single most-cited statute in Thai legal practice.
Land Code Act(Land Code)
ประมวลกฎหมายที่ดิน · B.E. 2497 (1954)
The Land Code Act B.E. 2497 (1954) governs land titling, transfer, registration, and the rules on foreign ownership. The Land Department under the Ministry of Interior administers the Act. The Code establishes the hierarchy of land documents (Chanote, NS-3, NS-3 Gor, Sor Por Kor) and the famous Section 86 restriction on foreign land ownership.
Condominium Act(Condo Act)
พระราชบัญญัติอาคารชุด · B.E. 2522 (1979)
The Condominium Act B.E. 2522 (1979) governs the creation, registration, ownership, and management of condominium buildings in Thailand. It is the basis for the 49% foreign-ownership quota — the principal route by which foreigners can directly own real estate. The Act covers juristic-person condominium governance, common-area management, and dispute mechanisms.
Building Control Act(BCA)
พระราชบัญญัติควบคุมอาคาร · B.E. 2522 (1979)
The Building Control Act B.E. 2522 (1979) regulates construction, modification, and demolition of buildings. Permits are issued by local administrative organisations (Municipality, Sub-District Administrative Organisation). The Act sets out classifications of buildings, permit pathways, fire safety, and enforcement powers.
Town and Country Planning Act(TCPA)
พระราชบัญญัติการผังเมือง · B.E. 2562 (2019)
The Town and Country Planning Act B.E. 2562 (2019) consolidates Thai spatial planning. It established the National Spatial Planning Committee, provincial planning, and detailed local zoning regimes. Plans set residential, commercial, industrial, and conservation zones with associated permitted uses and density controls.
Hire-Purchase Business Act(HPA)
พระราชบัญญัติการประกอบธุรกิจเช่าซื้อ · B.E. 2522 (1979)
The Hire-Purchase Business Act and subsequent Consumer Protection Board notifications regulate hire-purchase agreements in Thailand — common for vehicles and high-value consumer goods. Hire-purchase combines lease and conditional sale: title passes on completion of payments. Recent notifications cap interest rates and require specific disclosure.
Agricultural Land Reform Act(LRA)
พระราชบัญญัติการปฏิรูปที่ดินเพื่อเกษตรกรรม · B.E. 2518 (1975)
The Agricultural Land Reform Act B.E. 2518 (1975) created the Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO) and established Land Reform Areas where Sor Por Kor (SPK 4-01) title is issued to qualifying farmers. SPK title is non-transferable except by inheritance and cannot be mortgaged outside specific channels. Foreigners cannot acquire SPK land.
Public Health Act(PHA)
พระราชบัญญัติการสาธารณสุข · B.E. 2535 (1992)
The Public Health Act B.E. 2535 (1992) regulates activities affecting public health. Local administrative organisations enforce. Activities of concern (food businesses, hazardous trades, animal husbandry, etc.) require local licences. The Act also covers sanitation, nuisance, and emergency public-health powers.
Food Act(Food Act)
พระราชบัญญัติอาหาร · B.E. 2522 (1979)
The Food Act B.E. 2522 (1979) regulates food production, importation, sale, and labelling. The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) administers. Food categories require registration; specific controls apply to dietary supplements, infant formula, additives, and contamination thresholds.
Drug Act(Drug Act)
พระราชบัญญัติยา · B.E. 2510 (1967)
The Drug Act B.E. 2510 (1967) regulates medicinal drug registration, manufacture, import, and sale in Thailand. The Thai FDA administers. Drugs are classified (modern household, ready-packed, dangerous, special-controlled) with different licensing and sale rules. The Act is distinct from the Narcotics Code B.E. 2564 (2021) covering controlled-substance criminal offences.
Medical Device Act(MDA)
พระราชบัญญัติเครื่องมือแพทย์ · B.E. 2551 (2008)
The Medical Device Act B.E. 2551 (2008) regulates medical device registration, manufacture, import, sale, and post-market surveillance. The Thai FDA administers, with risk-based classification aligned to ASEAN Medical Device Directive (AMDD).
Cosmetics Act(Cosmetics Act)
พระราชบัญญัติเครื่องสำอาง · B.E. 2558 (2015)
The Cosmetics Act B.E. 2558 (2015) replaced the 1992 framework. The Thai FDA regulates cosmetic notification, ingredients, labelling, and adverse-event reporting. Most cosmetics are notification-based (not full registration) with prohibited and restricted ingredient lists set by Ministerial Notification.
Hazardous Substances Act(HSA)
พระราชบัญญัติวัตถุอันตราย · B.E. 2535 (1992)
The Hazardous Substances Act B.E. 2535 (1992) regulates hazardous chemicals across the lifecycle (manufacture, import, possession, transport, disposal). Multiple authorities (Department of Industrial Works, Thai FDA, Department of Agriculture) administer by category. Type 4 substances are absolutely prohibited.
Arbitration Act(Arbitration Act)
พระราชบัญญัติอนุญาโตตุลาการ · B.E. 2545 (2002)
The Arbitration Act B.E. 2545 (2002) is based on the UNCITRAL Model Law. It governs domestic and international arbitration, recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards (Thailand is party to the 1958 New York Convention), and arbitration before specialist institutions including the Thai Arbitration Institute (THAC) and the Thai Arbitration Centre.
Mediation Act(Mediation Act)
พระราชบัญญัติการไกล่เกลี่ยข้อพิพาท · B.E. 2562 (2019)
The Mediation Act B.E. 2562 (2019) provides a statutory framework for mediated settlement of civil and minor criminal matters outside court. Trained, registered mediators facilitate; settlements may be made enforceable through court endorsement.
Administrative Procedure Act(APA)
พระราชบัญญัติวิธีปฏิบัติราชการทางปกครอง · B.E. 2539 (1996)
The Administrative Procedure Act B.E. 2539 (1996) sets minimum procedural standards for Thai administrative decision-making. It establishes notice-and-hearing rights, reason-giving, and internal appeal pathways for adverse administrative actions. Combined with the Administrative Court Act, it provides the framework for administrative due process.
Act on Establishment of and Procedure for Administrative Courts(ACA)
พระราชบัญญัติจัดตั้งศาลปกครองและวิธีพิจารณาคดีปกครอง · B.E. 2542 (1999)
The Act on Establishment of Administrative Courts B.E. 2542 (1999) created the Thai administrative court system separate from the courts of justice. The Central Administrative Court and provincial Administrative Courts hear disputes involving state action; the Supreme Administrative Court is the final appeal. Proceedings use inquisitorial procedure.
Criminal Law4
Penal Code (Criminal Code)(Penal Code)
ประมวลกฎหมายอาญา · B.E. 2499 (1956)
The Penal Code is Thailand's principal criminal statute. Promulgated in 1956 to replace the earlier 1908 Penal Code, it sets out the general principles of criminal liability and defines the major substantive offences from offences against the State and the monarchy through to offences against the person and against property. It has been amended many times to introduce new offences and to modify penalties.
Anti-Money Laundering Act(AMLA)
พระราชบัญญัติป้องกันและปราบปรามการฟอกเงิน · B.E. 2542 (1999)
The Anti-Money Laundering Act B.E. 2542 (1999) is Thailand's principal AML statute, administered by the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO). The Act criminalises money laundering predicate to enumerated offences and imposes obligations on reporting entities (banks, brokers, real-estate agents, digital-asset operators, etc.) for CDD, STR, and CTR reporting.
Counter-Terrorism and Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction Financing Act(CTPF Act)
พระราชบัญญัติป้องกันและปราบปรามการสนับสนุนทางการเงินแก่การก่อการร้ายและการแพร่ขยายอาวุธที่มีอานุภาพทำลายล้างสูง · B.E. 2559 (2016)
The Counter-Terrorism and Proliferation Financing Act B.E. 2559 (2016) operationalises Thailand's commitments under UN Security Council resolutions on terrorist financing and WMD proliferation financing. AMLO maintains and publishes the designated-persons list. Reporting entities must screen against the list and freeze any matching assets.
Organic Act on Counter Corruption(Anti-Corruption Act)
พระราชบัญญัติประกอบรัฐธรรมนูญว่าด้วยการป้องกันและปราบปรามการทุจริต · B.E. 2561 (2018)
The Organic Act on Counter Corruption B.E. 2561 (2018) defines the powers of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), asset-declaration regimes for officials, and corruption offences. The NACC investigates and refers cases for prosecution. Asset forfeiture is available.
Tax3
Revenue Code(Revenue Code)
ประมวลรัษฎากร · B.E. 2481 (1938)
The Revenue Code is the primary tax statute of Thailand. It governs personal income tax (PIT), corporate income tax (CIT), value added tax (VAT), specific business tax (SBT) and stamp duty. The Code is administered by the Revenue Department of the Ministry of Finance and is regularly supplemented by Revenue Department Notifications (Por.), Departmental Instructions, and Royal Decrees that grant exemptions or set detailed thresholds.
Excise Act(Excise Act)
พระราชบัญญัติภาษีสรรพสามิต · B.E. 2560 (2017)
The Excise Act B.E. 2560 (2017) consolidates Thai excise taxation. The Excise Department levies excise on alcohol, tobacco, motor vehicles, fuel, sugary beverages, and other categories. Rates and exemptions are set by Ministerial Regulation and adjusted periodically.
Land and Building Tax Act(LBTA)
พระราชบัญญัติภาษีที่ดินและสิ่งปลูกสร้าง · B.E. 2562 (2019)
The Land and Building Tax Act B.E. 2562 (2019) replaced the older House and Land Tax and Local Maintenance Tax. Local administrative organisations levy annual tax on land and buildings based on appraised value, with categories for agricultural, residential, commercial, and vacant uses. Rate ceilings are set by the Act with actual rates determined by ministerial regulation.
Immigration1
Labour & Employment6
Labour Protection Act B.E. 2541 (1998)(LPA)
พระราชบัญญัติคุ้มครองแรงงาน พ.ศ. ๒๕๔๑ · B.E. 2541 (1998)
The Labour Protection Act B.E. 2541 (1998) is the principal Thai employment statute governing the rights and duties of employers and employees in the private sector. It sets out working hours, leave, wages, severance pay, termination rules and protection of women and young workers. It is supplemented by the Labour Relations Act (collective bargaining and unions), the Social Security Act, the Workmen's Compensation Act and the Civil and Commercial Code (Sections 575–586) on contracts of hire of services.
Workmen's Compensation Act(WCA)
พระราชบัญญัติเงินทดแทน · B.E. 2537 (1994)
The Workmen's Compensation Act B.E. 2537 (1994) establishes the Workmen's Compensation Fund administered by the Social Security Office. Employers must contribute; employees suffering work-related injuries, illnesses, or death receive defined benefits regardless of fault.
Social Security Act(SSA)
พระราชบัญญัติประกันสังคม · B.E. 2533 (1990)
The Social Security Act B.E. 2533 (1990) established the Social Security Fund administered by the Social Security Office. The Fund provides medical care, maternity, disability, death, child allowance, old-age, and unemployment benefits to insured employees. Contributions are tripartite: employer, employee, government.
Provident Fund Act(PFA)
พระราชบัญญัติกองทุนสำรองเลี้ยงชีพ · B.E. 2530 (1987)
The Provident Fund Act B.E. 2530 (1987) authorises and regulates Thai provident funds — voluntary employer-sponsored retirement savings vehicles. SEC supervises fund management companies. Member contributions plus employer matching, with tax benefits subject to conditions.
Foreign Working Act(FWA)
พระราชบัญญัติการทำงานของคนต่างด้าว · B.E. 2551 (2008)
The Foreign Working Act B.E. 2551 (2008) is the principal framework for foreign-worker employment in Thailand, supplemented by the Royal Decree on Foreign Worker Management B.E. 2560 (2017). The Department of Employment issues work permits. Certain occupations are reserved for Thai nationals under separate Royal Decree.
Skill Development Promotion Act(SDPA)
พระราชบัญญัติส่งเสริมการพัฒนาฝีมือแรงงาน · B.E. 2545 (2002)
The Skill Development Promotion Act B.E. 2545 (2002) requires employers above prescribed size to fund employee skill development. Companies with 100+ employees that fail to meet training expenditure benchmarks contribute to the Skill Development Fund administered by the Department of Skill Development.
Commercial23
Securities and Exchange Act(SEA)
พระราชบัญญัติหลักทรัพย์และตลาดหลักทรัพย์ · B.E. 2535 (1992)
The Securities and Exchange Act B.E. 2535 (1992) establishes the regulatory framework for the Thai capital markets. It created the Securities and Exchange Commission Thailand (SEC), which oversees securities issuance, the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), market intermediaries, derivatives, mutual funds, and (after 2018 amendments) digital-asset businesses. The Act has been amended repeatedly to keep pace with market evolution and international standards.
Foreign Business Act(FBA)
พระราชบัญญัติการประกอบธุรกิจของคนต่างด้าว · B.E. 2542 (1999)
The Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999) restricts the categories of business in which foreign nationals or foreign-controlled entities may engage in Thailand. It establishes three Schedules of restricted activities, the Foreign Business Licence regime, and enforcement powers. The Act is the principal framework for foreign-direct-investment regulation outside BOI-promoted sectors.
Trade Competition Act(TCA)
พระราชบัญญัติการแข่งขันทางการค้า · B.E. 2560 (2017)
The Trade Competition Act B.E. 2560 (2017) is Thailand's modern antitrust statute, replacing the 1999 framework. It is enforced by the Office of Trade Competition Commission (OTCC) and prohibits abuse of dominance, anti-competitive agreements (cartels, vertical restraints), and unfair trade practices. Mergers above prescribed thresholds require pre-merger notification.
Public Limited Companies Act(PLCA)
พระราชบัญญัติบริษัทมหาชนจำกัด · B.E. 2535 (1992)
The Public Limited Companies Act B.E. 2535 (1992) governs the formation, capital structure, governance, and dissolution of Thai public limited companies — the form required for stock exchange listing. The Act sits alongside the Civil and Commercial Code Book III (private limited companies) and is supplemented by SEC rules for listed companies.
Customs Act(Customs Act)
พระราชบัญญัติศุลกากร · B.E. 2560 (2017)
The Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017) replaced the 1926 framework and modernised Thai customs administration. The Royal Thai Customs Department enforces import/export controls, tariff classification, valuation, and offences including smuggling and false declaration. The Act introduced expanded use of electronic customs (e-Customs) and risk-based clearance.
Investment Promotion Act(IPA)
พระราชบัญญัติส่งเสริมการลงทุน · B.E. 2520 (1977)
The Investment Promotion Act B.E. 2520 (1977) authorises the Board of Investment (BOI) to grant promotional benefits to qualifying investments. Benefits include corporate income tax holidays, import-duty exemptions, foreign ownership and land-ownership allowances, and streamlined work permits. The Act is the principal vehicle for FDI in BOI-targeted activities and SEZ initiatives.
Direct Sales and Direct Marketing Act(DSDM Act)
พระราชบัญญัติขายตรงและตลาดแบบตรง · B.E. 2545 (2002)
The Direct Sales and Direct Marketing Act B.E. 2545 (2002) regulates door-to-door selling, multi-level marketing (MLM), and direct response advertising. It is administered by the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB). The Act distinguishes legitimate direct-sales models from pyramid schemes and provides consumer cooling-off rights.
Public Procurement and Supplies Management Act(PPA)
พระราชบัญญัติการจัดซื้อจัดจ้างและการบริหารพัสดุภาครัฐ · B.E. 2560 (2017)
The Public Procurement and Supplies Management Act B.E. 2560 (2017) consolidates and modernises Thai government procurement. It establishes the Comptroller General's Department's central role, mandates e-Government Procurement (e-GP), and introduces integrity-pact and complaint mechanisms. The Act applies to central government, state enterprises, and local administrative organisations.
Consumer Protection Act(CPA)
พระราชบัญญัติคุ้มครองผู้บริโภค · B.E. 2522 (1979)
The Consumer Protection Act B.E. 2522 (1979) is the principal Thai statute protecting consumer interests. It established the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) and authorises sub-committees for product safety, advertising, contracts, and labelling. Specific notifications (e.g., on residential rental, second-hand vehicles) carry sub-statutory regulatory weight.
Bank of Thailand Act(BOT Act)
พระราชบัญญัติธนาคารแห่งประเทศไทย · B.E. 2485 (1942)
The Bank of Thailand Act B.E. 2485 (1942) established the Bank of Thailand (BOT) as the central bank. The Act, substantially amended in 2008 to strengthen central bank independence, sets out the BOT's mandate over monetary policy, financial-system stability, payment systems, and currency issuance.
Financial Institutions Business Act(FIBA)
พระราชบัญญัติธุรกิจสถาบันการเงิน · B.E. 2551 (2008)
The Financial Institutions Business Act B.E. 2551 (2008) consolidated regulation of Thai commercial banks, retail banks, finance companies, and credit foncier companies. The Bank of Thailand is the principal regulator. The Act covers licensing, prudential standards, capital requirements, governance, and supervisory powers.
Life Insurance Act + Non-Life Insurance Act(Insurance Act)
พระราชบัญญัติประกันชีวิต / พระราชบัญญัติประกันวินาศภัย · B.E. 2535 (1992)
Thai insurance is governed by two parallel statutes — the Life Insurance Act B.E. 2535 (1992) and the Non-Life Insurance Act B.E. 2535 (1992). Both are administered by the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC). The Acts cover licensing of insurers and intermediaries, policy requirements, solvency, claim handling, and consumer protection.
DBD Beneficial Ownership Disclosure Notification(BO Disclosure)
ประกาศกรมพัฒนาธุรกิจการค้า เรื่องการแจ้งข้อมูลบุคคลผู้รับประโยชน์ที่แท้จริง · B.E. 2566 (2023)
The DBD Beneficial Ownership Disclosure framework requires Thai juristic persons to identify, document, and (in many cases) report natural-person beneficial owners. Implementation aligns Thailand with FATF Recommendation 24 and the OECD Global Forum standards. Beneficial ownership is defined as a natural person who ultimately owns or controls the entity (25%+ threshold or control test).
Patent Act(Patent Act)
พระราชบัญญัติสิทธิบัตร · B.E. 2522 (1979)
The Patent Act B.E. 2522 (1979) governs invention patents, design patents, and petty patents in Thailand. The Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) examines and registers patents. The Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court (CIPITC) has exclusive first-instance jurisdiction over patent disputes.
Trademark Act(Trademark Act)
พระราชบัญญัติเครื่องหมายการค้า · B.E. 2534 (1991)
The Trademark Act B.E. 2534 (1991) governs trademark, service mark, certification mark, and collective mark registration in Thailand. The Department of Intellectual Property administers registration. Thailand acceded to the Madrid Protocol in 2017, enabling international registration designations.
Copyright Act(Copyright Act)
พระราชบัญญัติลิขสิทธิ์ · B.E. 2537 (1994)
The Copyright Act B.E. 2537 (1994) protects original works of authorship in Thailand. Copyright arises automatically on creation; voluntary registration with DIP provides evidentiary benefit. The Act covers literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, audiovisual, sound recording, broadcast, and software works.
Trade Secrets Act(Trade Secrets Act)
พระราชบัญญัติความลับทางการค้า · B.E. 2545 (2002)
The Trade Secrets Act B.E. 2545 (2002) protects confidential business information meeting three criteria: not generally known, having commercial value due to secrecy, and subject to reasonable protective measures. Misappropriation is actionable civilly and criminally. CIPITC has exclusive jurisdiction.
Geographical Indication Protection Act(GI Act)
พระราชบัญญัติคุ้มครองสิ่งบ่งชี้ทางภูมิศาสตร์ · B.E. 2546 (2003)
The Geographical Indication Protection Act B.E. 2546 (2003) protects names identifying a product's geographical origin where origin gives the product specific quality, reputation, or characteristic. The Department of Intellectual Property registers Thai and foreign GIs. Thailand has over 130 registered GIs including Doi Tung Coffee and Sangyod Phatthalung Rice.
Cybersecurity Act(Cybersecurity Act)
พระราชบัญญัติการรักษาความมั่นคงปลอดภัยไซเบอร์ · B.E. 2562 (2019)
The Cybersecurity Act B.E. 2562 (2019) established the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) and the Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) framework. Designated CII organisations must register with NCSA, implement minimum security controls, and report incidents. The Act covers eight CII sectors.
Petroleum Act(Petroleum Act)
พระราชบัญญัติปิโตรเลียม · B.E. 2514 (1971)
The Petroleum Act B.E. 2514 (1971) governs the upstream petroleum industry: concession and production-sharing contracts, exploration, production, royalty, and the role of the Department of Mineral Fuels. Concurrent with the Petroleum Income Tax Act B.E. 2514 (1971) which sets the special tax regime.
Energy Industry Act(EIA)
พระราชบัญญัติการประกอบกิจการพลังงาน · B.E. 2550 (2007)
The Energy Industry Act B.E. 2550 (2007) restructured Thai electricity, natural gas, and energy industry regulation. It established the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and the framework for licensing, tariff-setting, and consumer protection in the energy sector.
Minerals Act(Minerals Act)
พระราชบัญญัติแร่ · B.E. 2560 (2017)
The Minerals Act B.E. 2560 (2017) consolidates Thai mineral regulation, replacing earlier legislation. The Department of Primary Industries and Mines administers concessions and licensing. Strengthened environmental impact assessment and community-consultation requirements.
Act on Civil Aviation of Thailand(Civil Aviation Act)
พระราชบัญญัติการเดินอากาศ · B.E. 2497 (1954)
The Act on Civil Aviation of Thailand B.E. 2497 (1954), as substantially amended, regulates Thai civil aviation. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) was elevated to a full regulator by Royal Decree in 2015 following ICAO Significant Safety Concerns. The Act covers pilot licensing, aircraft registration, airworthiness, air operator certification, drone regulation, and airport licensing.
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