Criminal Code Amendment Act No. 28, B.E. 2564 (2021)

Abortion Law in Thailand

In Thailand, abortion is legal for pregnancies up to 12 weeks on request, under Criminal Code Amendment Act No. 28, B.E. 2564. For 12–20 weeks, termination is permitted after mandatory medical counseling.

Please consult your healthcare provider before seeking services.

Legal Background

Previously, Criminal Code Section 301 made abortion a criminal offence for both women and providers. On 19 February 2020, the Constitutional Court ruled that this section was unconstitutional as it violated women's right to bodily autonomy and self-determination.

The amendment was a landmark step in protecting women's health rights in Thailand. The new law significantly expanded legal access and introduced a structured counseling process for pregnancies between 12–20 weeks, per the Ministry of Public Health Notification B.E. 2565.

Rights by Gestational Age

First Trimester — ≤ 12 WeeksFreely Permitted

Women may terminate a pregnancy without providing any reason, under the law. The procedure must be performed by a licensed physician at an accredited facility. Options include medication abortion (Mifepristone + Misoprostol) up to 9–10 weeks, and manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) up to 12 weeks.

✓No reason required
✓Must be performed by licensed doctor
✓Medication or MVA available
✓Gold card coverage available
Second Trimester — 12–20 WeeksConditional

Termination is permitted after completing options counseling with a multidisciplinary team including a doctor, nurse, and social worker or psychologist, per MoPH Notification B.E. 2565. A minimum 24-hour reflection period is required after counseling before the procedure.

!Options counseling required
!24-hour reflection period
!Must be at accredited facility
Special Cases — Over 20 WeeksSpecial Cases Only

Termination after 20 weeks is only permitted under Section 305 of the Criminal Code. Cases must be evaluated and approved by a hospital medical board.

×Serious risk to mother's life
×Severe fetal abnormality
×Pregnancy from sexual offence
×Medical board approval required

How to Access Services

📅
Book Appointment
Contact the facility to schedule
🔬
Ultrasound
Confirm gestational age and health
🏥
Procedure
Performed by a licensed physician
📋
Follow-up
Follow-up visit 1–2 weeks after

For pregnancies of 12–20 weeks, an additional step is required: options counseling with a multidisciplinary team, followed by a mandatory 24-hour reflection period before the procedure.

Your Legal Rights

Thai law and the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) B.E. 2562 protect the following rights for everyone accessing abortion services:

✓
Privacy protected
All medical information is confidential under PDPA. No reporting to external agencies.
✓
No police notification
Healthcare providers are not required to notify police or government authorities.
✓
Insurance coverage available
Gold card and social security holders can receive free services at participating public hospitals.
✓
Foreigners have equal access
Foreign nationals in Thailand can access services under the same legal conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is abortion legal in Thailand?+
Yes. For pregnancies up to 12 weeks, termination is permitted on request under Criminal Code Amendment Act No. 28, B.E. 2564, effective 7 February 2021. For 12–20 weeks, it is permitted after mandatory counseling. Beyond 20 weeks, only in special cases.
When did the law change and how?+
The law took effect on 7 February 2021, following a Constitutional Court ruling on 19 February 2020 that the previous Section 301 violated the constitution. Previously, all abortions were criminal offences. Now termination is freely permitted up to 12 weeks and conditional up to 20 weeks.
What is options counseling and how long does it take?+
Options counseling is required for pregnancies of 12–20 weeks. A multidisciplinary team provides information on all options — termination, parenting, and adoption — without judgment. It takes approximately 30–60 minutes, and a 24-hour reflection period is required before the procedure.
Can I use the Universal Coverage Scheme or Social Security?+
Yes. Those eligible for the gold card or social security can receive legal abortion services free of charge at participating public hospitals in the RSA network. Please inquire with your local hospital directly.
Will my personal information remain confidential?+
All medical information is confidential under the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) B.E. 2562. Healthcare providers are not required to report to police or government agencies, and will not disclose information to third parties without consent.
View all questions →

Penalties for Illegal Abortion

Unlicensed practitioner
Up to 5 years imprisonment or fine up to 100,000 THB, or both
Person providing unlawful assistance
Up to 3 years imprisonment, fine, or both — including selling unregulated medications
Woman self-terminating after 12 weeks
Subject to penalty unless qualifying conditions under Section 305 are met
📚 References
  • Criminal Code Amendment Act No. 28, B.E. 2564 (2021)
  • Ministry of Public Health Notification on Counseling Services B.E. 2565 (2022)
  • RSA Network, Department of Health — rsathai.org
  • Department of Health Hotline 1663 (09:00–21:00 daily)

Reviewed by: Abortion Thailand Editorial Team | Last reviewed: May 2026

⚠️ Information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice for individual cases. Always consult a licensed physician before making any decisions.