It is strictly regulated.
Thailand’s legal framework, particularly the Antiquities Act B.E. 2504 (1961) and National Park Act B.E. 2562 (2019), prohibits metal detecting in public parks without explicit permission from the Department of Fine Arts or local governing bodies. Violations risk fines up to ฿400,000 or imprisonment under Section 34 of the Antiquities Act, with stricter penalties in protected areas like national parks. Recent 2026 draft amendments to the Cultural Heritage Preservation Act further tighten controls, requiring prior archaeological impact assessments for any ground-disturbing activities.
Key Regulations for Metal Detecting in Public Parks in Thailand
- Antiquities Act B.E. 2504 (1961): Requires a permit from the Department of Fine Arts for any metal detecting in areas with potential historical or cultural artifacts. Unauthorized detection constitutes a criminal offense under Section 33, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment or fines exceeding ฿400,000.
- National Park Act B.E. 2562 (2019): Explicitly bans metal detecting in national parks, including public parks under the jurisdiction of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP). Violations may result in confiscation of equipment and additional civil penalties under Section 54.
- Local Ordinances: Municipalities and provincial governments may impose supplementary restrictions via local bylaws, such as Bangkok’s Cultural Heritage Preservation Ordinance (2023), which mandates prior approval from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration for any ground-penetrating activities in urban parks.