A bitter legal dispute involving members of Thailand’s billionaire family behind the Singha beer empire has drawn renewed attention to a century-old law that allows parents to revoke gifts from children accused of serious disobedience or damaging family reputation.
The case involves Siranudh “Psi” Scott, a fourth-generation member of the Bhirombhakdi family, who is being sued by his mother, Chiranuj Bhirombhakdi. The lawsuit is based on Thailand’s so-called “ungrateful child law,” a legal provision designed to protect parents from neglect, abuse or conduct considered harmful to the family relationship.
Under the law, parents can seek the return of gifts given to children if they are found to have acted in ways including neglecting their parents in old age, committing physical harm or causing serious reputational damage.
The dispute intensified after Siranudh made allegations in May that he had been sexually abused by his older brother and his babysitter. His mother argued that the allegations damaged the family’s reputation and is seeking to reclaim land worth millions of dollars that had been gifted to Siranudh by his late grandfather.
Siranudh has criticised the law, saying it reflects an outdated understanding of family relationships. He argued that the provision could be used to silence individuals who speak about issues that may affect a family’s public image.
“Looking at the fine print, this law is an attempt to kind of silence any damage done to a family name,” Siranudh said, adding that such a measure had little place in a society focused on children’s welfare.
The legal provision dates back to 1908 and reflects traditional expectations in Thai society that children should repay their parents’ sacrifices through respect, obedience and financial support. Jiraporn Laocharoenwong, an anthropology professor at Chulalongkorn University, said the Thai concept behind the law carries a deeper moral meaning than the direct English translation of “ingratitude.”
She said the term refers not only to failing to appreciate kindness but also to violating a relationship built on care and obligation.
Chiranuj filed the lawsuit in February, after which Siranudh publicly shared his allegations on social media. Following a court hearing, one of his mother’s legal representatives said the court was seeking an amicable resolution with the goal of reuniting the family. The representative added that Chiranuj was experiencing significant stress because the case involved someone she loved.
The Bhirombhakdi family is ranked as Thailand’s 15th richest family by Forbes, with an estimated net worth of $1.75 billion. Siranudh and his mother are scheduled to appear in court on July 8 after two rounds of mediation failed to resolve the dispute.
Legal experts said cases involving the filial piety provision often occur among wealthy families with significant assets. Pimyaphat Jullaphan of the Thailand Lawyers Network said many such disputes are resolved through court-mediated negotiations rather than formal judgments, with the focus placed on repairing family relationships.
The law has rarely attracted public attention because most cases remain private, though a 2021 case involving an elderly couple who owned a gas station outside Bangkok resulted in a court ruling ordering their son to return properties previously transferred to him.
Legal experts said the provision highlights the strong emphasis Thai law places on preserving family structures, while noting that legal options available to children seeking action against neglectful parents remain limited outside criminal cases.
The Bhirombhakdi dispute has brought those issues into public view, with Siranudh saying after a court-mediated hearing in June that family wealth and influence could not replace personal dignity.
