Section 159 — Officer damaging affixed official seals
English translation
Whoever, being an official having the duty to look after or keep any property or document, commits an act wrongful to their duty by removing, damaging, destroying or rendering useless, or by permitting another person to do so, the seal or mark that an official has affixed or marked on such property or document in the performance of duty, in order to serve as evidence for the seizure or custody of that thing, shall be liable to imprisonment not exceeding five years, or a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand baht, or both.
This English translation is provided for reference only and has not yet been firm-verified — always rely on the Thai original.
Firm annotation
Section 159 sits in the Title on Malfeasance in Office and is an official-specific counterpart to the general offence of breaking a lawfully affixed seal. The elements are: (1) the actor is an official; (2) with a duty to look after or keep the property or document; (3) they act wrongfully to that duty by removing, damaging, destroying or rendering useless the seal or mark, or by consenting to another doing so; and (4) the seal or mark had been affixed by an official as evidence of seizure or custody. The offence targets the breach of the official's own protective duty, which distinguishes it from the general public who tamper with seals. Where the same conduct also involves dishonest performance of duty, prosecutors frequently pair it with Section 157.
Why this matters in practice
Exposure is up to five years, so this is a serious charge for any custodian of seized or impounded assets. Because the offence requires official status and a specific safekeeping duty, a common line of defence is that the accused was not the official charged with that duty, or that the seal was removed lawfully or by accident rather than "wrongfully". This is a public-office offence rather than a private wrong, so it is not compoundable between the parties. Anyone facing an accusation of this kind should consult a Thai lawyer early to test whether the duty and the wrongful-act elements are actually made out.
Frequently asked questions
Who can commit an offence under Section 159?
Only an official who has the specific duty to look after or keep the property or document bearing the official seal. A private person who breaks such a seal is dealt with under other provisions.
What is the penalty under Section 159?
Imprisonment not exceeding five years, or a fine not exceeding 100,000 baht, or both.