According to an aspect of the present invention, a thermal printer includes a housing (10) in which a space (S) is formed, printing means (14) disposed in the housing (10), a cover (20) disposed in the housing (10) and which comes into contact with and separates from the housing (10) when rotated, thereby opening and closing the space, urging means (13a) for urging the cover (20) in a direction away from the housing (10), an engaging part (16) which is disposed in the housing (10) and which prevents the movement of the cover (20)in a direction away from the housing (10) when engaged with the cover (20), a pressed part (31) which is disposed rotatably in the cover (20) and which moves the engaging part (16) when pressed, thereby releasing engagement between the cover (20) and the engaging part (16), and elastic means (34) arranged to urge the pressed part in a direction away from the engaging part (16).