Urgent Check: 5 Behaviors That Constitute Sexual Harassment and Which Are Illegal Under the New Law Now in Effect

The latest update on Sexual Harassment law is now in effect. Which behaviors qualify as sexual harassment, and what are the penalties including imprisonment and fines? Check quickly here.

In an era where society increasingly values personal rights and equality, "Sexual Harassment" is no longer a distant or trivial matter. Especially with the Royal Gazette publishing a new law that strictly punishes offenders, we have summarized the key points and new penalties you need to know.

Clarifying the definition: The new definition of “Sexual Harassment” is broader than before.

The announcement of the Amendment to the Criminal Code Act (No. 30/2025), effective today (30 Dec 2025 GMT+7), expands the definition to reflect current social realities. It states that sexual harassment does not necessarily involve physical contact but also includes:

• Verbal acts (teasing, body criticism).
• Gestural acts (staring, whistling).
• Stalking behavior.
• Actions via computer systems (chat, comments).

If such acts "have a sexual connotation" and cause the victim distress, embarrassment, fear, or a sense of insecurity, they are immediately punishable offenses.

Urgent check: 5 behavior types that risk imprisonment.

• Verbal harassment: making flirtatious remarks, criticizing body parts, or asking unnecessary sexual questions.
• Gestural harassment: lewd staring, whistling teasingly, making kissing sounds.
• Online harassment (Cyber Harassment): sending obscene messages, pornographic images, or harassing comments on public posts.
• Physical harassment: touching or hugging without consent.
• Abuse of power harassment: supervisors pressuring subordinates for sexual favors.

Introducing new penalties! Harsher punishments including imprisonment and fines up to hundreds of thousands.

Here are the key highlights of the law effective from 30 Dec 2025 GMT+7, with penalties scaled by severity:

1. General harassment: If sexual harassment is committed without reaching the level of indecency but causes others distress or annoyance,

• Penalty: up to 1 year imprisonment, or a fine up to 20,000 baht, or both.

2. Repeated acts / interference with life: If harassment is repeated or prevents the victim from living a normal life,

• Penalty: up to 2 years imprisonment, or a fine up to 40,000 baht, or both.

3. Public or online humiliation: If committed publicly, in front of many people, or via computer systems such as posting humiliating content or sending obscene chats,

• Penalty: up to 3 years imprisonment, or a fine up to 60,000 baht, or both.

4. Offender holds authority: If the offender is an employer, supervisor, teacher, or guardian,

• Penalty: up to 3 years imprisonment, or a fine up to 60,000 baht, or both.

5. Acts against children: If the victim is a child aged 15 or under,

• Maximum penalty: up to 5 years imprisonment, or a fine up to 100,000 baht, or both.

What to do if you are harassed?

• Express refusal immediately: say no clearly.
• Collect evidence: screenshot chats, record audio, or film videos.
• Report to authorities: bring evidence to the police promptly as the new law clearly states criminal penalties.

In summary, this 30th amendment is a "strong medicine" designed to protect everyone's human dignity, regardless of gender. So before typing or speaking, think carefully—brief amusement may lead to criminal charges.