Bangkok: The government has announced an increase in compensation for victims and defendants in criminal cases who have been acquitted, with the compensation now capped at a maximum of 300,000 baht. This change is effective immediately and aims to reflect the current economic situation.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, disclosed that the Royal Gazette has published a ministerial regulation under the Act on Compensation for Victims and Compensation and Expenses for Defendants in Criminal Cases, B.E. 2544 (2001). This regulation, set to take effect on March 3, 2026, revises the compensation rates to better align with contemporary economic and social conditions.
The deputy spokesperson indicated that this amendment is designed to enhance the protection of citizens' rights, ensuring that both "victims" in criminal cases and "defendants" who are acquitted or found not guilty receive more appropriate compensation. Key changes include an increase in the compensation ceiling for victims. In cases of victim death, the compensation has been raised from the previous range of 30,000-100,000 baht to a maximum of 300,000 baht, covering all related expenses in a single amount.
For non-fatal cases, medical expenses have been increased to a maximum of 80,000 baht, physical and mental rehabilitation costs to a maximum of 50,000 baht, and compensation for other physical or mental damages to a maximum of 100,000 baht. A new compensation rate has been established for cases involving loss of limbs or disability, with a cap of 300,000 baht. Additionally, protection for defendants who incur damages due to legal proceedings in cases that are dismissed has been enhanced.
In situations where the defendant dies as a result of legal proceedings, the maximum compensation is also capped at 300,000 baht. For cases where the defendant does not die, medical expenses are increased to a maximum of 80,000 baht, physical and mental rehabilitation expenses to a maximum of 50,000 baht, and legal proceedings expenses to a maximum of 30,000 baht.
Ms. Lalida emphasized that these measures are intended to ensure fairer assistance, accurately reflect the actual damages suffered, reduce unnecessary procedures, and enhance the efficiency of the review process for quicker and more effective compensation.