BANGKOK (ANN/THE NATION) – The Cabinet on Tuesday approved stricter laws to combat online child exploitation, imposing a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to THB200,000.
The Criminal Code amendment, proposed by the Justice Ministry, introduces severe penalties for five offenses: online grooming, sexting, sextortion, cyberstalking and cyberbullying.
Offenders who lure children for sexual reasons will be subjected to three years’ imprisonment and/or a fine of up to THB10,000. The penalties will be more severe if the victim is below 15 years old or if the offense is committed through telecommunication or computer systems.
Sending inappropriate sexual content to children aged 15-18 carries a penalty of up to two years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to THB40,000. If the recipient is under 15, the punishment increases to up to three years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to THB60,000.
Individuals who engage in sexual blackmail by threatening to release sexual content to coerce someone into inappropriate sexual acts will face imprisonment of one to 10 years and a fine ranging from THB20,000 to THB200,000.
Those who engage in online stalking that causes distress or fear will face up to three years’ imprisonment and/or a fine of up to THB60,000. Meanwhile, online bullying will result in up to one year in prison and/or a fine of up to THB20,000.
These legal changes are in accordance with the Cabinet resolution on October 11, 2022, directing the Justice Ministry to revise the Criminal Code to strengthen protections against online child exploitation. They also adhere to international agreements to which Thailand is a party.
