Law
Royal Gazette Updates Compensation Rates for Unreturned Decorations
The Royal Thai Government Gazette has published a new schedule of compensation fees for individuals who fail to return state decorations as required by law.
On September 5, 2026, the Royal Thai Government Gazette officially released an updated list of compensation rates for state decorations that are not returned in accordance with legal requirements. This regulatory update establishes the specific monetary values that must be paid as restitution when these honors are not surrendered as mandated by the relevant statutes.
For residents and expatriates in Thailand, this announcement serves as a reminder of the strict legal framework surrounding state decorations, which are considered high-status symbols of recognition. While this update primarily concerns individuals who have been awarded such honors, it underscores the formal administrative procedures governing the management of state property and official insignia. It is important to note that these regulations are strictly administrative and pertain to the legal obligations of recipients.
At this time, the specific monetary values for each class of decoration are detailed in the newly published schedule within the Gazette. What remains to be confirmed is the specific enforcement timeline for these updated rates and whether there are any grace periods for those currently in possession of decorations that are due for return. Residents should consult the official Royal Gazette publication for the precise fee structure applicable to their specific situation. This update does not impact the general public's daily activities but highlights the ongoing maintenance of official state protocols.