What constitutes a fraud?

When a person 1) conceals information which should be revealed and as a result obtains a property from another party dishonestly; or 2) deceives another party and causing this party to execute or destroy a document of right, he/she is said to have committed a fraudulent act, which is punishable under Thailand Penal law

Is fraud a civil offense or a criminal offense?

In Thailand, fraud may be either a criminal action or a civil action, or both.

Which types of fraud are punishable under Thailand’s Penal Code?

Identity fraud, public concealment fraud, employment fraud, insurance fraud, property fraud etc are all punishable offences under Thailand’s Penal Code. Common fraud cases that we encounter include land fraud, bank fraud and other types of financial fraud.

What are the criminal penalties concerning criminal fraud?

For a person who has committed fraud in Thailand, he/she may be punished with imprisonment from a maximum of three years to seven years depending on the circumstances of the case.

If I would like to file a criminal fraud action, how do I go about it?

In Thailand, complaints may at the Police Department and if approved, are then sent to the Attorney-General who may accept certain criminal fraud cases for prosecution. However, it is also possible to file a private criminal action through a private attorney. Usually, to file a police complaint, it is helpful to have an attorney.

What is the statute of limitations (prescription period) for criminal fraud?

The statute of limitations for criminal fraud may depend on the type of fraud, whether civil or criminal, and whether it is filed as a private case or a public case. As with all legal cases, filing claims promptly is very important and victims of fraud should consult with an attorney as soon as possible.