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Neighbour Nuisance Disputes in Thailand
Noise, smells, smoke or animals — choosing between a local-authority complaint, a police report or a civil claim.
Quick answer
A neighbour nuisance can be pursued three ways. Civilly, Civil and Commercial Code s.1337 lets an owner of immovable property who suffers harm or disturbance, caused by another person's exercise of their rights, beyond what is normally expected given the property's condition and location, act to end it without losing the right to compensation. Administratively, the Public Health Act B.E. 2535 empowers the local official to investigate and order a nuisance abated. Criminally, the Ministry of Justice summarises Criminal Code s.370 (making noise without reasonable cause) as a fine of up to THB 1,000, and s.397 (bullying, harassing or causing annoyance) as a fine of up to THB 5,000, or, if done in public or before many people, up to 1 month's imprisonment, a fine of up to THB 10,000 or both.
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Who this is for
- Residents disturbed by noise, smells, smoke or light
- Owners troubled by a neighbour's animals
- Businesses accused of causing a nuisance
- People whose local complaint went unresolved
What you receive
- Assessment of the civil, administrative or criminal route
- Guidance on evidence: dated logs, recordings and witnesses
- Cease letter or complaint to the local official
- Civil claim for an injunction and compensation
Documents to prepare
- A dated log of incidents
- Audio, video or photos
- Past complaints and any replies
- Medical certificates if health is affected
How it works
3-step process
- 1
Gauge the disturbance
Section 1337 protects owners of immovable property from disturbance beyond the ordinary given the property's condition and location, so frequency, timing and the area's character matter; tenants may need other routes.
- 2
Pick the route
We usually start with a letter or local complaint, then consider a police report or civil claim if needed.
- 3
Act
We file with the evidence; the outcome depends on the facts and on the official's or court's assessment.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I call the police about late-night music?
Yes. The Ministry of Justice explains that noise without reasonable cause may breach Criminal Code s.370, and causing annoyance may also breach s.397.
The municipality says the noise cannot be measured. Is that the end?
The Department of Health's legal division has advised that concluding there is no nuisance merely because a meter could not measure it may be unlawful; officials must weigh several kinds of evidence.
What can a civil claim achieve?
Section 1337 lets the owner of the affected property act to end the disturbance and claim compensation; the court assesses whether it exceeds what is normally expected.
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Written by: Thai Law & Accounting Services — attorneys and licensed accountants
Professional review: A lawyer must review the applicable law and facts before use in a real matter. This notice does not establish that this page has been reviewed or certified by a lawyer.
Last updated: 2026-08
Information as of August 2026. Government fees and processing times change — verify with the relevant agency before acting, or let our team verify for you.