Thailand’s Lawmakers to Introduce New Sexual Harassment Laws
Expanding Protections for Women and Victims of Abuse
Thailand’s lawmakers are moving forward with a new legal framework to strengthen protections against sexual harassment. The proposed legislation, which has gained broad support in the House, expands the definition of harassment beyond physical acts to include behaviours such as persistent staring, lewd comments, inappropriate remarks, and unsolicited sexual messages. If passed, the new law will represent a landmark change in Thailand’s approach to gender equality and victim protection.
This legislative push reflects mounting demands for women’s rights in a society that still often embraces male-centric traditions. Advocates argue that subtle but harmful behaviours—frequently dismissed as harmless—can escalate into more severe forms of violence if left unchecked.
The Need for Reform
A 2024 survey by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation highlighted the urgency of reform. Nearly one in four respondents reported witnessing sexual harassment in the workplace, while more than six percent said they had experienced it directly. Among victims, 86 percent cited leering as the most common issue, over half reported unwanted comments about appearance, and nearly three percent reported direct sexual advances.
The survey also revealed that most harassment is ignored or left unaddressed. More than one-third of victims chose not to respond, and over half of bystanders did nothing. Experts warn this culture of silence allows harassment to persist and normalize, creating unsafe environments in both professional and public spaces.
Revising the Criminal Code
To address these issues, lawmakers plan to revise the Criminal Code. The updated bill broadens the definition of sexual harassment and, for the first time, criminalizes stalking. The change follows mounting reports of harassment cases that blur the line between physical violence and psychological intimidation.
One case that underscores the issue involved a Thai woman who was relentlessly stalked by a man she met on Instagram. Despite blocking him, he created more than 30 accounts to continue contacting her, even entering her residence without permission. Her growing fear forced her to take medication, and she plans to pursue charges under the new law once it takes effect.
Voices from Advocacy Groups
Ms. Jaded Chouwilai, director of the Women and Men Progressive Movement Foundation, strongly supports the proposed changes. She emphasizes that what many perceive as trivial gestures—lingering stares, casual comments, or suggestive jokes—are often the first steps toward more violent offences.
“Many rape survivors who come to us say it began with lingering looks and offhand comments,” Jaded explained. She also warns that traditional attitudes—such as men believing women enjoy such attention or women accepting harassment as normal—reinforce a cycle of abuse.
For Jaded and other advocates, expanding the law is only part of the solution. They argue that public education and cultural change are equally necessary to break down harmful stereotypes and promote gender equality.
Penalties Under the New Bill
The proposed bill includes stricter punishments for offenders. Stalking could lead to up to one year in prison or fines of 30,000 baht. Sexual harassment committed by those in positions of authority—such as bosses targeting subordinates—would carry heavier penalties, including up to three years in prison or fines of 60,000 baht.
Online and public harassment would be punishable under the same framework. Sexual predators targeting minors under 15 could face up to five years in prison and fines of 100,000 baht. Courts will be prohibited from dropping cases or reducing penalties based on private settlements between victims and offenders, ensuring greater accountability.
Debate and Criticism
While the bill has been praised by women’s rights advocates, some lawmakers remain skeptical. Senator Decha Nutalai has voiced concerns that broadening the definition of harassment could open the door to false accusations or misuse. He argued that gestures meant as compliments or romantic advances might be misinterpreted under the new law.
“Simple gestures meant as flattery or romance could now be seen as harassment,” he said, citing cultural traditions and popular song lyrics that celebrate persistent pursuit.
In response, critics of Decha’s stance argue that focusing on rare false accusations ignores the widespread and underreported nature of harassment. Chanettee Tinnam, a lecturer at Chulalongkorn University, pointed out that most victims already struggle to be believed and often face blame after reporting abuse.
“After suffering harassment, women get blamed and shamed,” Chanettee said. “Even without physical harm, emotional damage is real and can last for years.”
A Broader Social Problem
Research has long shown that sexual harassment in Thailand is both widespread and underreported. A YouGov survey in 2019 found that 21 percent of respondents had faced harassment, with women reporting slightly higher rates than men. Common forms included unwanted comments, sexual assault, and indecent exposure.
Yet, few victims reported their cases to the police. Many felt embarrassed, feared retaliation, or believed authorities would not act. Instead, most confided only in friends or family. Public transport, nightlife venues, and educational institutions were identified as common hotspots for harassment.
Foreign women working in Thailand also face heightened risks, as cultural barriers and stigma make it even harder for them to seek justice. According to advocacy groups, as many as seven in ten Thai women who experience harassment or assault never report it to anyone in authority.
Toward a Safer Future
Supporters of the bill argue that stronger laws, while not a complete solution, are essential to shift social attitudes and empower victims to speak out. By criminalizing behaviours such as stalking and online harassment, the legislation reflects the realities of modern threats and acknowledges the psychological harm victims endure.
Ms. Jaded stresses that cultural change must accompany legal reform. “Sexual harassment isn’t limited to physical acts,” she said. “We must remove harmful beliefs rooted in media, songs, and traditions if we want lasting progress.”
If enacted, the law would mark a pivotal moment for Thailand, strengthening protections for women and vulnerable groups while sending a strong message that harassment in any form will not be tolerated.
As debates continue, the proposed legislation represents both progress and a challenge: to ensure justice for victims while reshaping cultural attitudes toward respect, consent, and equality.
