Announcement of the National Council for Peace and Order

No. 46/2557

Subject: Offenses regarding unlawful debt collection

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            As certain individuals or groups of individuals have been engaging in unjust and unlawful collection of debt from farmers, with total disregard for law enforcement by state officials and the penalties for such offenses;

            In order to maintain peace and order in the country, the National Council for Peace and Order hereby announces that whosoever coerces farmers for one’s own material gain or that of another person, or uses physical force or threat of such against the life, physical well-being, liberty, reputation, or assets of farmers or a third party to exact acquiescence to such demands, shall be punished by up to 2 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 40,000 baht, or both.

            This announcement shall take effect immediately.

            Announced on 28 May B.E. 2557 (2014).

                                                                                                General Prayut Chan-O-Cha

                                                                    Head of the National Council for Peace and Order