Thailand loosens its abortion rules and will in future allow women to have an abortion up to the 20th week of pregnancy. The change, which has now been published in the Royal Official Gazette, is scheduled to come into force at the end of October. However, after the 12th week, pregnant women must consult a doctor, seek advice and obtain approval. Until then, they can independently visit a medical facility for an abortion.

For a long time, abortions were completely illegal in the Buddhist country, except under certain circumstances. After a ruling by the Constitutional Court and a change in criminal law, they have been possible since February 2021 up to the 12th week. Anyone who had an abortion thereafter risked imprisonment, as did the person who performed the procedure.