BANGKOK, THAILAND – A new ministerial regulation in Thailand sharply increased compensation for crime victims and defendants who were later acquitted.
New regulation in force since 3 March
The measure was published in the Royal Gazette and took effect on 3 March. According to deputy government spokesperson Lalida Periswiwatana, the revised rates were intended to reflect current economic and social conditions.
“The new structure is designed to align support more closely with the actual damage, simplify procedures and make assessments more flexible so that money can be paid out more quickly.”
said Lalida Periswiwatana, deputy government spokesperson.
Significantly higher ceiling for fatalities
In cases where a victim died, the maximum state compensation rose to 300,000 baht. Previously, the range had been between 30,000 and 100,000 baht, with related expenses now combined under a single overall ceiling.
Medical treatment, rehabilitation and mental harm for survivors
For surviving victims, medical treatment costs could now be reimbursed up to 80,000 baht, based on the actual expenses incurred. Physical and psychological rehabilitation was capped at 50,000 baht, while additional physical or mental impairments could be compensated up to 100,000 baht.
Organ damage and permanent disability up to 300,000 baht
In cases of organ loss or permanent disability, compensation of up to 300,000 baht was now possible. The state thus raised the upper limit for particularly serious consequences, which had previously been significantly lower in many cases.
More support for acquitted defendants
The regulation explicitly covered defendants who were prosecuted but later acquitted by a court. If a defendant died as a result of the proceedings, compensation could also reach up to 300,000 baht.
For surviving defendants, medical treatment costs of up to 80,000 baht and rehabilitation costs of up to 50,000 baht were provided for under the new rules.
Legal fees and faster payments announced
Acquitted persons were additionally able to claim reimbursement of legal fees up to 30,000 baht. According to Lalida Periswiwatana, the restructured scheme was expected to make case handling more flexible so that payments could be processed and disbursed more quickly.