Section 227 — Endangering land traffic
English translation
Whoever, by any means, causes danger to land traffic by placing, throwing, or leaving any object on a public way, or by making a public way uneven, or in a manner likely to be dangerous to 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 227 is the general offence protecting the safety of land traffic in the Chapter on Offences Causing Public Dangers, complementing Section 226 which protects traffic signals. Its elements are an act, by any means, that causes danger to land traffic, illustrated by placing, throwing, or leaving objects on a public way or making a public way uneven, or any conduct likely to be dangerous to traffic. The offence is framed around likely danger, so a completed accident is not required. It carries imprisonment up to five years, a fine up to 100,000 baht, or both, and where the hazard causes serious injury or death, the aggravated-result provisions later in this Chapter (including Section 238) apply.
Why this matters in practice
This provision reaches everyday hazards such as dumping debris, spilling loads, or leaving obstructions on a road, and it applies once the conduct is likely to endanger traffic, even before any collision. It is a public-danger offence prosecuted by the state, not compoundable, so a private arrangement with anyone affected will not end it. Sentencing ranges widely because a fine alone is possible, but if the hazard causes injury or death, exposure escalates sharply under the aggravated-result provisions. Defence work usually turns on whether the way was truly public, whether the object or condition was actually likely to be dangerous, and intent, and our overview of criminal law in Thailand gives further context.
Frequently asked questions
Is leaving obstructions on a public road a crime under Section 227?
Yes, if it is likely to be dangerous to traffic. Placing, throwing, or leaving objects on a public way, or making it uneven, can be punished by up to five years imprisonment, a fine up to 100,000 baht, or both.
Does someone have to crash before Section 227 applies?
No. The offence is based on conduct likely to be dangerous to traffic, so it can apply even before any accident occurs.