{"id":2894,"date":"2026-03-24T02:43:18","date_gmt":"2026-03-24T02:43:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/honeykidsasia.com\/thailand\/?p=2894"},"modified":"2026-03-24T06:09:02","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T06:09:02","slug":"new-child-protection-law-thailand-bangkok","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/honeykidsasia.com\/thailand\/new-child-protection-law-thailand-bangkok\/","title":{"rendered":"Thailand opens public consultation on new child online protection law, here\u2019s what parents need to know"},"content":{"rendered":"

A new development in Thailand is putting children\u2019s online safety in focus, with a draft amendment to the criminal code targeting offences against minors in digital spaces.<\/p>\n

The draft, led by the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), is currently open for public consultation until 31 March 2026, inviting individuals to share feedback on measures designed to address online risks facing children. You can submit your comments here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What is the new child online protection draft law in Thailand?<\/span><\/h2>\n

This proposed amendment to Thailand\u2019s criminal code focuses on offences committed against children under 18 through online platforms. It introduces clearer definitions of wrongdoing and expands the scope of what can be considered a criminal offence in digital interactions.<\/span><\/p>\n

A key shift in the draft law is that it does not require physical contact or in-person meetings for an offence to occur<\/b>. Instead, it focuses on intent and behaviour in online communication.<\/span><\/p>\n

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What the draft law covers: key points explained<\/span><\/h2>\n

Here are the main provisions included in the draft:<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Criminalising online grooming from the first interaction<\/span><\/h3>\n

The draft defines an offence as attempting to \u201clure, persuade or build trust\u201d with a child under 18 for sexual exploitation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Penalty<\/b>: Up to 3 years\u2019 imprisonment, even if no physical meeting takes place. If exploitation occurs: Up to 5 years\u2019 imprisonment<\/span><\/p>\n

This provision allows authorities to act at the early stages of contact, including initial chats.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Closing gaps in cyber harassment laws<\/span><\/h3>\n

Sending sexual messages, images or audio to a minor for exploitative purposes is defined as a criminal offence, regardless of whether a meeting is arranged.<\/span><\/p>\n

For children under 13, penalties increase to 1\u20137 years\u2019 imprisonment<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Addressing sextortion (online blackmail involving intimate content)<\/span><\/h3>\n

The draft criminalises threats to release sexual content of a minor in order to coerce them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Penalty:<\/b> Up to 5 years\u2019 imprisonment. If coercion leads to compliance: Up to 7 years. If the victim is under 13: Up to 15 years<\/span><\/p>\n

The law also includes threats involving sharing content with parents, teachers or others.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Expanding protection beyond sexual offences<\/span><\/h3>\n

The draft also addresses broader online harms affecting children\u2019s wellbeing:<\/span><\/p>\n

Stalking: Repeated online contact that disrupts a child\u2019s daily life.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cyberbullying: Ongoing harassment or public humiliation in accessible digital spaces.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Cross-border enforcement and increased penalties for abuse of authority<\/span><\/h3>\n

The draft includes provisions that allow offences committed outside Thailand to be prosecuted domestically.<\/span><\/p>\n

It also proposes stricter penalties when the offender is in a position of trust, such as a teacher or employer.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why this matters for families in Thailand<\/span><\/h2>\n

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This draft law reflects a broader effort to strengthen child protection in digital environments, where risks can occur without physical proximity.<\/span><\/p>\n

For families, it signals a shift towards earlier intervention, addressing harmful behaviour at the point of initial online contact, rather than after escalation.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Sweeten up your inbox!\u00a0Subscribe to HoneyKids Asia Thailand<\/a><\/h3>\n

How to take part in the public consultation<\/span><\/h2>\n

The draft law is open for public feedback until 31 March 2026. Individuals can review the proposal and share their views through the official consultation platform:<\/span><\/p>\n

\ud83d\udc49 <\/span>https:\/\/law.go.th\/listeningDetail?survey_id=NjYwMkRHQV9MQVdfRlJPTlRFTkQ<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Good to know<\/span><\/h2>\n

What<\/strong>: Public consultation on Thailand\u2019s draft child online protection law
\n<\/span>Who<\/strong>: Open to the public, you don\u2019t have to be a parent to submit your comments
\n<\/span>Where<\/strong>: Online via <\/span>the government consultation platform<\/span><\/a>
\nWhen<\/strong>: Now until 31 March 2026
\n<\/span>How much<\/strong>: Free to participate<\/span><\/p>\n

Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>

Who does the draft law apply to?<\/h3>
It applies to offences involving children under the age of 18 in online contexts.\r\n\r\n<\/div>

Does an offence require physical contact?<\/h3>
No. The draft focuses on online behaviour, including communication intended to exploit or harm a child.\r\n<\/div>

What is considered grooming under this law?<\/h3>
Attempting to build trust, persuade or lure a child for sexual purposes \u2014 even through chat alone \u2014 may be considered an offence.\r\n<\/div>

Are there stricter protections for younger children?<\/h3>
Yes. Children under 13 are given additional protection, with significantly higher penalties for offences.<\/div>

Does the law cover non-sexual harm?<\/h3>
Yes. It includes provisions for stalking and cyberbullying that affect a child\u2019s wellbeing.\r\n<\/div>

Can offences committed outside Thailand be prosecuted?<\/h3>
Yes. The draft includes cross-border enforcement provisions.\r\n\r\n<\/div>

How long is the public consultation open?<\/h3>
Until 31 March 2026.\r\n<\/div><\/div>