Thailand has introduced a new “Sexual Offenses Law” to its Criminal Code that significantly increases penalties on sexual abusers, while also broadens the legal definition of sexual assault, according to criminal defense attorneys in Thailand.
In particular, the amended version of Section 27 of the Criminal Code states that anyone who rapes another person through either the use of force, coercion, or taking advantage of a person unable to resist will now face 4-20 years in prison and a fine of 80,000-100,000 baht.
If the person is armed with a firearm, he or she will face 7-20 years and a fine of 140,000-400,000 baht. In cases of gangrape, the offenders will face up to life in prison as well as a 300,000-400,000 baht fine.
Additionally, the Criminal Code now considers both forced or coerced sodomy and oral sex as a form of sexual assault, in addition to sexual intercourse.
Also included in the changes are potential life imprisonment for raping an individual under 13 and doubled penalties if the rapist shares recordings of the assault online.
Increased punishments for abetting or benefitting from prostitution as well as coercing individuals into the sex trade were also codified.
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