Robbery in general is the act of taking something of value employing force or any act of violence, without the consent of the owner, with intent to permanently deprive the latter of his property. Robbery in Thailand is a crime against property punished by imprisonment and fine which are determined by the attending circumstances of each case. Note also the article on Fraud in Thailand and also Theft.
Under the Criminal Code of Thailand, robbery is committed if the taking of another person’s property is made through employment of any act of violence or threatening to do any act of violence to accomplish the following:
-
To facilitate theft or taking away of any property of another person;
-
To obtain delivery of a thing;
-
To take whole of a thing;
-
To conceal the commission of an offense;
-
To escape from arrest.
Robbery committed under the above-mentioned circumstances is punished under Thai Criminal Code of an imprisonment for a period of 5-10 years and a fine of 10, 000-20, 000 Baht.
If the robbery is committed against an ox, buffalo, mechanical device or machinery of an agriculturist, for the purpose of carrying agricultural pursuit, the offender shall be punished with an imprisonment of 10-15 years and a fine ranging from 20,000-30,000 Baht. Note that this does not cover the act of fraud in Thailand. If however, a bodily or mental harm is committed in addition to the crime of robbery, the offender shall be imprisoned for the term of 10-20 years and shall be held liable for a fine which amounts to 20,000-40,000 Baht. If the victim suffers grave bodily harm in addition to the robbery, the offender shall suffer the penalty of imprisonment for 15-20 years and a fine of 30,000-40,000 Baht.
If the robbery is coupled with death of the victim, the offender shall be sentenced to death or life imprisonment. If the object of Robbery is a Buddhist Statue, or any religious object possessed by the public for worship, the offender shall suffer 10-15 years of imprisonment and shall be liable for a fine of 20,000-30,000 Baht.
In Thailand, when a robbery is committed by three or more persons, the offenders shall be liable for an imprisonment of 10-15 years and a fine of 20,000-30,000 Baht. A heavier punishment is imposed to offenders who commit the robbery by wearing soldier or police uniforms to mislead the victim. A higher penalty is also imposed when the offender commits the robbery by carrying a gun or explosive to facilitate his escape. If you are accused of robbery, fraud or any other criminal act then seek the advice of a criminal lawyer in Thailand before you arrive in court.
