Section 140 — Aggravated resisting or coercing an official
English translation
If the offence under Section 138 paragraph two or Section 139 is committed by carrying or using a weapon, or by joint commission by three or more persons, the offender shall be liable to imprisonment not exceeding five years, or a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand baht, or both.
If it is committed by invoking the power of a secret society or a gang, whether or not such secret society or gang exists, the offender shall be liable to imprisonment from two years to ten years, and a fine from forty thousand baht to two hundred thousand baht.
If the offence under this Section is committed by carrying or using a firearm or explosive, the offender shall be liable to a penalty one half heavier than that provided by law in the preceding two paragraphs.
This English translation is provided for reference only and has not yet been firm-verified — always rely on the Thai original.
Firm annotation
Section 140 is the aggravation provision for the resistance and coercion offences: it applies only where the underlying conduct already falls within Section 138 paragraph two (forceful resistance) or Section 139 (coercion). It layers three escalating circumstances: carrying or using a weapon or acting with three or more persons (up to five years); invoking the power of a secret society or gang, which applies whether or not such an organization actually exists (two to ten years); and using a firearm or explosive, which adds one half to the penalty in the preceding two paragraphs. The Supreme Court has grouped Section 140 paragraph three with other firearm-aggravation provisions such as Sections 190, 191 and 340, reflecting a consistent legislative policy of deterring escalation to firearms even where the weapon is carried but not fired.
Why this matters in practice
This is where resisting or coercing an official turns from a minor charge into a genuinely serious one, with exposure up to five years, or two to ten years for gang-linked cases, and half again more where a firearm or explosive is involved. Critically, merely carrying a firearm to the scene can trigger the firearm aggravation even if it is never fired, provided it was ready to be used, so the presence of a weapon is decisive. The gang-power aggravation applies even if the secret society or gang is fictitious, targeting the intimidation effect of the claim itself. Because these cases are commonly bundled with separate firearms-act offences, exposure can stack; specialist defence is essential. See criminal law in Thailand.
Supreme Court decisions interpreting this section
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Supreme Court Judgment No. 5681/2568 (2025)
Section 140 paragraph three is one of several firearm-aggravation provisions; carrying a firearm that is ready for use to commit the offence counts even if the firearm is not actually fired.
The Supreme Court explained that because firearms are dangerous weapons that can readily kill, the law deters escalation through several provisions, citing Section 140 paragraph three alongside Sections 190, 191 and 340. It held that carrying a firearm ready for use to commit an offence falls within these provisions even where the weapon is not fired.
Curated decisions with case numbers verified against the Supreme Court database. English renderings are the firm's editorial translation for study.
Frequently asked questions
When does Section 140 apply?
It applies where an offence under Section 138 paragraph two or Section 139 is committed with a weapon, by three or more people, by invoking a secret society or gang, or with a firearm or explosive.
Does carrying a firearm count even if it is not fired?
Yes. The Supreme Court has held that carrying a firearm ready for use to the scene can trigger the firearm aggravation even if it is not actually used.
Does the secret society or gang have to be real?
No. Invoking the power of a secret society or gang aggravates the offence whether or not such an organization actually exists.