Section 220 — Causing a dangerous explosion
English translation
Whoever causes an explosion likely to be dangerous to another person or to the property of another shall be liable to imprisonment not exceeding seven years and a fine not exceeding one hundred and forty thousand baht.
This English translation is provided for reference only and has not yet been firm-verified — always rely on the Thai original.
Firm annotation
Section 220 is a base public-danger offence in the Chapter on Offences Causing Public Dangers. The elements are an act that causes an explosion and a resulting likelihood of danger to another person or to another's property; actual harm is not required, only that the danger was likely. It is a conduct-and-risk offence carrying imprisonment up to seven years and a fine up to 140,000 baht. Where the explosion in fact damages the protected classes of property listed in Section 218, Section 221 raises the penalty to the Section 218 scale, and where it causes death, Section 224 applies.
Why this matters in practice
The offence is complete once a real likelihood of danger is shown, so a defendant can be convicted even if no one was hurt and nothing was destroyed. This is a public-danger crime that the state prosecutes on its own; it is not compoundable and cannot be settled privately with a would-be victim. Common defence angles are the absence of any genuine likelihood of danger, lack of intent, or that the event was accidental rather than a caused explosion, and results that escalate to property damage or death sharply increase exposure under Sections 221 and 224. Early criminal defence advice is important given the seven-year ceiling.
Frequently asked questions
Does someone have to be injured for Section 220 to apply?
No. It is enough that the explosion was likely to be dangerous to another person or their property; actual harm is not required.
What is the penalty for causing an explosion under Section 220?
Imprisonment of up to seven years and a fine of up to 140,000 baht. If the blast damages property listed in Section 218 or causes death, heavier penalties under Sections 221 or 224 apply.