Section 226 — Damaging land traffic signals
English translation
Whoever destroys, damages, or renders unusable the signalling marks used for land traffic 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 226 protects the integrity of land-traffic signalling within the Chapter on Offences Causing Public Dangers. Its elements are simply an act that destroys, damages, or renders unusable the signalling marks used for land traffic; the harm targeted is the loss of a safety device that the traveling public relies on, so no specific accident need occur. It carries imprisonment up to five years, a fine up to 100,000 baht, or both. It sits alongside the parallel provisions protecting water-traffic signals (Section 228) and air-traffic signals (Section 230), and connects to the general endangering-traffic offence in Section 227.
Why this matters in practice
Tampering with road signs, traffic lights, or similar marks is treated as a public-danger crime, not mere mischief, so the state prosecutes and the offence is not compoundable through a private arrangement. Because the fine can be imposed instead of or alongside imprisonment, outcomes vary widely with the seriousness of the interference and the risk it created. Defence work usually addresses whether the object was truly a traffic signalling mark, whether the accused caused the damage, and intent, and where the tampering leads to an accident with injuries far heavier liability under related provisions can follow. For practical guidance see our overview of criminal law in Thailand.
Frequently asked questions
Is damaging a traffic sign a crime in Thailand?
Yes. Under Section 226, destroying, damaging, or disabling signalling marks used for land traffic is punishable by up to five years imprisonment, a fine up to 100,000 baht, or both.
Does an accident have to happen for Section 226 to apply?
No. The offence targets destroying or disabling the traffic signal itself; an actual accident is not a required element.