Section 225 — Endangering railways or tramways
English translation
Whoever causes danger to a railway or a tramway used for public transport by causing derailment, or by destroying, damaging, or rendering unusable the machinery, the train, the tram, any part of the train or tram, the rails, or the signalling marks used for the railway or tramway, shall be liable to imprisonment from five years to fifteen years, or imprisonment for life.
This English translation is provided for reference only and has not yet been firm-verified — always rely on the Thai original.
Firm annotation
Section 225 protects public rail transport, a critical mass-transit system, and sits among the transport-infrastructure offences in the Chapter on Offences Causing Public Dangers. The elements are an act directed at a railway or tramway used for public transport that either causes derailment or destroys, damages, or renders unusable the enumerated equipment: the machinery, rolling stock, any part of it, the rails, or the signalling marks. The high penalty band, five to fifteen years up to life imprisonment, reflects the potential for mass casualties. Where such conduct results in serious injury or death, the aggravated-result provisions later in the same Chapter increase exposure further.
Why this matters in practice
Penalty exposure starts at a five-year minimum and reaches life imprisonment, so even attempts to interfere with rail equipment are treated very seriously. This is a public-danger offence prosecuted by the state and is not compoundable, so no settlement with the rail operator will end it. Defence work typically focuses on whether the target was genuinely a public-transport railway or tramway, whether the accused actually caused the damage or derailment, and intent, and any resulting injury or death will trigger heavier aggravated provisions. Anyone charged should obtain criminal defence advice without delay.
Frequently asked questions
What conduct does Section 225 cover?
Causing danger to a public railway or tramway by derailing it or by destroying, damaging, or disabling the train, tram, rails, machinery, or signalling marks.
How heavy is the penalty under Section 225?
Imprisonment from five to fifteen years, or imprisonment for life, reflecting the risk of mass-transit disasters.