Thailand.
Section 374 of Thailand's Penal Code makes it an offense to see another person in danger of losing their life and fail to give necessary help that could be given without risk. A 2025 journal article reports that the Emergency Medical Act B.E. 2551 (2008) gives qualified immunity to those who assist in emergencies. The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security marks International Volunteer Day, and a UN release cites more than 18 million formal and informal volunteers as of 30 September 2025.
Is there a legal duty to help a stranger?
YesSection 374, in the unofficial ThaiLawOnline translation, applies to anyone who sees another in danger of losing their life, could help without risk to themselves or a third person, and fails to give necessary help; the penalty is up to one month in prison or a fine of up to 10,000 baht, or both. The site's commentary says calling emergency services may satisfy it, and that the duty arises only where helping is safe.
Are people who help protected?
LimitedA 2025 journal article says the Emergency Medical Act B.E. 2551 (2008) grants immunity from criminal and civil liability for emergency care given in good faith without intent or gross negligence, and that it covers medical personnel and volunteers. The statute's own section text was not found, so scope and wording are unverified and the article centers on health workers.
How the government promotes giving and service
One thing worth knowing
Thailand's rule treats calling for help as a way to meet the duty, per the ThaiLawOnline commentary, and the Penal Code offense is a minor one with a short one-year limit on prosecution.
What this does not mean
The Section 374 English is an unofficial law-firm translation, and krisdika.go.th (the official source) could not be reached. The Emergency Medical Act's text, the Civil and Commercial Code and any 'Volunteer Spirit' program were not verified from primary sources and are not asserted. Not legal advice. This is a plain-language summary of public sources, not legal advice, and it does not rank countries. No government named here has endorsed this site.