Marital infidelity is a serious offense in Thailand that can have legal repercussions for both the adulterer and the third person. The law aims to protect the sanctity of marriage and discourage infidelity by imposing penalties such as fines, compensation, and loss of career or pension.
In Thailand, legal experts suggest that a person who is legally married has the option to sue a third party involved in an extramarital affair, including the mistress or the person involved with someone’s spouse, for compensation. It is important to note that the lawsuit must be filed within a year of discovering the affair.
Key Takeaways
- Cheating on a spouse in Thailand can result in disciplinary action, fines, and even the loss of career prospects, particularly for members of the Royal Thai Army and Royal Thai Police.
- Thai law allows cheated-on spouses to seek help and compensation, with evidence such as romantic messages or photographs being admissible in court.
- Despite legal consequences, infidelity remains prevalent in Thailand, with a casual attitude towards marital fidelity and high-profile individuals often involved in multiple relationships.
Threat to career prospects
One of the most severe penalties for marital infidelity in Thailand is the threat to career prospects, especially for those who work in the civil or military service. Both the Royal Thai Army (RTA) and the Royal Thai Police have announced that they will take disciplinary action against any of their members who are found to be unfaithful to their spouses.
This may include limitations on rank promotions, loss of bonuses, or even dismissal from service. The Civil Service Commission can also fire civil servants and revoke their pensions for engaging in extramarital affairs. This rule applies to common-law relationships as well.
Compensation to the cheated spouse
Another legal implication of marital infidelity in Thailand is the possibility of paying compensation to the cheated spouse. The law allows a legally married spouse to sue the third person involved in the affair (such as the mistress or the lover) for damages. The lawsuit must be filed within a year of discovering the affair, and the evidence must be provided within six months.
The evidence can include romantic messages, photographs, videos, or witness testimonies. The court will decide the amount of compensation based on the severity of the case and the impact on the marriage. The cheated spouse can sue for compensation without divorcing their partner, and can file a second lawsuit if the affair continues.
Both the Royal Thai Army and Royal Thai Police have recently announced that unfaithful members will face consequences. Cheated-on spouses can seek help and child support can be deducted from the husband’s salary. Civil servants can be fired and lose their state pension for engaging in extramarital affairs.
Legally married spouses can sue the third person involved in an affair for compensation. Thai people have been found to be the most unfaithful nationality in surveys. Despite the legal consequences, many high-profile Thais engage in extramarital relationships. Polygamy was once accepted in Thailand but was banned in 1935.
Marital infidelity in Thailand
Marital infidelity, or cheating on one’s spouse, is a serious issue that affects many couples around the world. In Thailand, where the culture is influenced by Buddhism and traditional values, marital infidelity is considered a sin and a violation of trust. However, some studies have suggested that marital infidelity is more common in Thailand than in other countries, especially among men.
Causes of marital infidelity in Thailand
There is no single or simple explanation for why people cheat on their spouses. Different factors may contribute to the decision or temptation to be unfaithful, such as personality, opportunity, dissatisfaction, boredom, stress, peer pressure, cultural norms, or sexual addiction. However, some of these factors may be more prevalent or influential in Thailand than in other countries.
One of the possible causes of marital infidelity in Thailand is the availability and accessibility of sex workers. Thailand is known for its sex tourism industry, which attracts millions of foreign visitors every year. Many Thai men also frequent brothels, massage parlors, karaoke bars, or online platforms where they can find sexual services for a fee. Some men may rationalize their behavior as a harmless or normal part of their culture, while others may seek sexual variety or excitement that they do not get from their wives.
Another possible cause of marital infidelity in Thailand is the social acceptance or tolerance of extramarital affairs. According to some studies, Thai men are more likely to cheat on their wives than Thai women, and they are less likely to face social stigma or legal consequences for their actions. In contrast, Thai women are expected to be faithful and loyal to their husbands, and they may face harsher judgment or punishment if they are caught cheating. Some Thai men may have multiple wives or mistresses, known as mia noi, who are financially supported by them. This practice is not legal, but it is not uncommon in some parts of the country.
A third possible cause of marital infidelity in Thailand is the lack of communication or intimacy between spouses. Some couples may have arranged marriages or marry for convenience rather than love. Some couples may have different expectations or needs from their partners, but they do not express them clearly or openly. Some couples may drift apart over time due to work, family, or personal issues.
