The Justice Court spokesperson warns to celebrate Songkran water festivities appropriately and respect others’ rights. "Molestation and sexual harassment" are illegal offenses punishable by imprisonment.
13 Apr 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Suriyan Hongwilai, spokesperson for the Justice Court, said that Songkran is a beautiful Thai tradition and a time of happiness. Water splashing and applying powder should be done with appropriateness and respect for others’ rights. Any physical contact must be clearly consented to; simply joining in the festivities does not imply consent.
He added that if during the Songkran festivities there are covert acts such as molestation or groping of private parts of others—whether female or male—taking advantage of the chaos, it constitutes an offense of indecent acts under Criminal Code Section 278. The penalty may be imprisonment up to 10 years, a fine up to 200,000 baht, or both.
Mr. Suriyan said that indecent acts against children carry heavier penalties. If committed against a child aged 15 or under, regardless of consent, it is an immediate offense punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to 200,000 baht, or both. For children aged 13 or under, the penalty ranges from 1 to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of 20,000 to 200,000 baht, or both. If threats, force, or circumstances preventing resistance are involved, the penalty increases to 1 to 15 years imprisonment and a fine of 20,000 to 300,000 baht, or both.
The Justice Court spokesperson explained that even without physical contact, behaviors with sexual connotations—such as lewd remarks, inappropriate gestures, staring, stalking, harassment, or sending messages or posts online that cause others embarrassment, distress, or insecurity—fall under sexual harassment. This is a new law effective since 30 Dec 2025, punishable by imprisonment up to 1 year, a fine up to 20,000 baht, or both.
If such acts are repeated or prevent the victim from living normally, penalties increase to imprisonment up to 2 years, a fine up to 40,000 baht, or both. If committed in public places during Songkran or via accessible online platforms, the penalty is imprisonment up to 3 years, a fine up to 60,000 baht, or both. For acts against children aged 15 or under, regardless of consent, penalties can reach imprisonment up to 5 years, a fine up to 100,000 baht, or both.
If the offender abuses power over the victim due to a superior-subordinate, employer-employee, or other authoritative relationship, penalties increase to imprisonment up to 3 years, a fine up to 60,000 baht, or both.
In cases of sexual harassment via computer systems, such as applications, victims may file petitions at competent courts or online through the Justice Court or CIOS systems 24/7 to request removal of the offending content—a measure known as "take it down." Police will also proceed with prosecution for sexual harassment offenses.
Mr. Suriyan said that water splashing and powdering are allowed but must remain within appropriate limits, such as splashing water safely and always asking permission before applying powder on the face. Avoid touching other body parts to prevent legal violations. He urged the public to help maintain the festival's good atmosphere with mindfulness, respect, and mutual rights observance, so Songkran remains a true festival of happiness and does not lead to legal cases affecting individuals and their families.