Foreigners often ask about the age of majority in Thailand. A quick internet search can yield a variety of answers. This is often due to changes in Thai legislation over the decades and sometimes due to inaccurate translations of the law. For example, the phrase "a person starting their 21st year of life" means they are 20 years old, and "a person having lived their 20th year of life" also means they are 20 years old. Another common question concerns the "age of consent" - when a Thai can engage in intimate relations with a foreigner. Many believe it is 15 years old, but this is incorrect.
In reality, "majority" for a Thai is reached gradually, at different ages.
For example:
- At age of 7 a Thai receives their first identification card, similar to a national passport.
- From age of 10 a Thai can be held criminally responsible for many crimes (including theft, bodily harm, murder, and others). However, under 15, they cannot be sent to prison - the worst outcome is being placed in a special gated school.
- At age of 15 a Thai becomes "partially of age" - they can obtain a motorcycle license and manage their property (excluding real estate). They can also be imprisoned for committing a crime, but any sentence is halved, and if they show sincere remorse, it is quartered.
- At age of 17 a Thai can marry with parental or judicial consent.
- At age of 18 a Thai can obtain a car license, work, vote, bear full criminal responsibility, and even change their gender (with parental consent). However, they still can not mange real estate
- Only at age of 20 does a Thai become fully of age and independent.
As for foreign citizens, their age of majority for civil relations depends on the law of their home country. For example, if you can buy real estate at the age of 14 in your country, you can do so in Thailand (provided you obtain the necessary legal consultation from your homeland, authenticated at your embassy, and legalized by Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs). However, for criminal responsibility and obtaining driving licenses, Thai law applies.
Lastly, the most interesting part - the age of consent. The age of consent is the age from which a person can agree to intimate relations. Before this age, consent is irrelevant, and any intimate relations are considered rape. In Thailand, the age of consent is 15. Any intimate relationship with someone under 15 is considered rape, and criminal proceedings can be initiated by the prosecutor even against the victim's wishes.
However, it’s not that simple. Between 15 and 18, a person is considered not fully competent to give consent unless in marriage. This means that if a 17-year-old Thai girl consents today and changes her mind tomorrow, you could be charged with "corrupting a minor." The punishment will be less severe but still serious. Both the minor and their parents can file a complaint, and they can withdraw it, typically after receiving monetary compensation for "damaged honor."
So, when does full sexual maturity occur? At the age of 18. If a person is 18 and consents, they cannot retract their consent after the deed is done. Importantly, in Thailand, there are no “Romeo and Juliet exception”. If one partner is 18 and the other is 17, the 17-year-old can file a complaint to the police, even if their age difference is only a few days. Foreigners should explain this aspect of Thai law to their children, especially if they plan to date Thai youths.
These rules also apply to foreign citizens. Regardless of the age of consent in your country, you must follow Thai laws. The only exception is for married couples as Thai law will not interfere with marital rules of other countries.
We hope these guidelines help you understand how age regulations work in Thailand.
In reality, "majority" for a Thai is reached gradually, at different ages.
For example:
- At age of 7 a Thai receives their first identification card, similar to a national passport.
- From age of 10 a Thai can be held criminally responsible for many crimes (including theft, bodily harm, murder, and others). However, under 15, they cannot be sent to prison - the worst outcome is being placed in a special gated school.
- At age of 15 a Thai becomes "partially of age" - they can obtain a motorcycle license and manage their property (excluding real estate). They can also be imprisoned for committing a crime, but any sentence is halved, and if they show sincere remorse, it is quartered.
- At age of 17 a Thai can marry with parental or judicial consent.
- At age of 18 a Thai can obtain a car license, work, vote, bear full criminal responsibility, and even change their gender (with parental consent). However, they still can not mange real estate
- Only at age of 20 does a Thai become fully of age and independent.
As for foreign citizens, their age of majority for civil relations depends on the law of their home country. For example, if you can buy real estate at the age of 14 in your country, you can do so in Thailand (provided you obtain the necessary legal consultation from your homeland, authenticated at your embassy, and legalized by Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs). However, for criminal responsibility and obtaining driving licenses, Thai law applies.
Lastly, the most interesting part - the age of consent. The age of consent is the age from which a person can agree to intimate relations. Before this age, consent is irrelevant, and any intimate relations are considered rape. In Thailand, the age of consent is 15. Any intimate relationship with someone under 15 is considered rape, and criminal proceedings can be initiated by the prosecutor even against the victim's wishes.
However, it’s not that simple. Between 15 and 18, a person is considered not fully competent to give consent unless in marriage. This means that if a 17-year-old Thai girl consents today and changes her mind tomorrow, you could be charged with "corrupting a minor." The punishment will be less severe but still serious. Both the minor and their parents can file a complaint, and they can withdraw it, typically after receiving monetary compensation for "damaged honor."
So, when does full sexual maturity occur? At the age of 18. If a person is 18 and consents, they cannot retract their consent after the deed is done. Importantly, in Thailand, there are no “Romeo and Juliet exception”. If one partner is 18 and the other is 17, the 17-year-old can file a complaint to the police, even if their age difference is only a few days. Foreigners should explain this aspect of Thai law to their children, especially if they plan to date Thai youths.
These rules also apply to foreign citizens. Regardless of the age of consent in your country, you must follow Thai laws. The only exception is for married couples as Thai law will not interfere with marital rules of other countries.
We hope these guidelines help you understand how age regulations work in Thailand.
