Land Trespass in Thailand: Police Complaint or Civil Property Dispute?
Entering another’s land is not always the simple crime it seems — criminal trespass must be separated from possession disputes
Chaiyaphum Office · Nationwide Thailand
For example, returning to a vacant plot you find cultivation, makeshift structures, or a for-sale subdivision sign
Who This Page Is For
- Landowners finding unauthorised use of their land
- Holders of title deeds or land-rights documents
- Those affected by encroachment across adjoining boundaries
Common Concerns and Practical Responses
They claim long possession. Can I contest it?
Lawful possession requires facts meeting statutory conditions; the deed and registration are key evidence, and bare assertions rarely suffice
I want them off first, other matters later
Civil law provides recovery of possession, and criminal law punishes unlawful entry — choosing between them depends on the facts and continuity of possession
Police told me to sue in court myself. What now?
Some situations are purely civil with no criminal elements; clear evidence of the acts and prior warning gives a complaint real weight
What You Can Do Yourself
- Photograph the occupation with coordinates and timestamps
- Verify boundaries against the deed and boundary markers
- Send a written warning to the occupier
- Consult on pursuing both criminal complaint and civil recovery as appropriate
Where a Lawyer Can Help
- Assessing whether the elements of trespass exist or it is purely civil
- Preparing boundary evidence and warning documents
- Running possession-recovery proceedings alongside any criminal complaint
Common Concerns Before Deciding
How long until possession threatens ownership?
Acquisition by possession requires statutory conditions and periods — acting promptly matters
Is a lawyer required to report?
No, victims may report themselves; a lawyer strengthens the evidence and route
The boundary is unclear because of old fences
Survey by a qualified surveyor or land-office data settles doubts before litigation
Frequently Asked Questions
Is land trespass really a criminal offence?
Unlawfully occupying another’s land may fall under the Penal Code provisions on entering possession, but boundary disputes are civil
What is the limitation period to recover land?
Generally set by civil law with some exceptions — check each case
My land has no title deed. Can I still report?
Yes, using your own evidence of rights or possession, which requires careful review
Evidence-First Criminal Complaint Preparation
Our working approach: the facts, documents, and available evidence are reviewed first, so that the proposed complaint strategy fits the law and the evidence of each matter. This is a working method, not a promise of outcomes.
Responsibility and Working Procedure
Provides legal services and handles engagements within the framework of the legal profession, giving consideration to the issues and facts of each matter
View lawyer profile ↗Before Engaging Us, Please Note
- An initial inquiry begins with the type of matter and the date of the incident
- A preliminary opinion may require additional documents before a course of action can be proposed
- Scope of work, fees, and timeline are put in writing before work begins
- The firm does not guarantee case outcomes or investigation results, which depend on the facts and the lawful discretion of the authorities
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