Section 232 — Unlawful seizure of an aircraft
English translation
Whoever, by any means, unlawfully brings an aircraft in flight under the control of himself or of another person shall be liable to imprisonment from seven years to twenty years and a fine from one hundred and forty thousand baht to four hundred thousand baht.
If such act causes grievous bodily harm to another person, the offender shall be liable to imprisonment for life or imprisonment from fifteen years to twenty years.
If such act causes the death of another person, the offender shall be liable to the death penalty.
This English translation is provided for reference only and has not yet been firm-verified — always rely on the Thai original.
Firm annotation
Section 232 is Thailand's core aircraft-hijacking offence within the Chapter on Offences Causing Public Dangers. The base element is unlawfully bringing an aircraft in flight under the control of the offender or another person, by any means, punishable by seven to twenty years imprisonment and a fine of 140,000 to 400,000 baht. It is structured with two result-based aggravators: grievous bodily harm raises the penalty to life imprisonment or fifteen to twenty years, and death raises it to the death penalty. It builds on Section 231, moving from merely endangering an aircraft to taking control of it, and reflects Thailand's aviation-security obligations.
Why this matters in practice
Hijacking is one of the most severely punished acts in the Penal Code, with a seven-year minimum and exposure to the death penalty where a death results, and it is not compoundable or settleable. Because both imprisonment and a fine apply and the aggravators are tied to physical results, the outcome depends heavily on whether anyone was seriously injured or killed. Contested issues typically include whether the aircraft was in flight, whether control was actually and unlawfully taken, causation for any harm, and intent. Given the stakes, immediate criminal defence advice is essential.
Frequently asked questions
Does Section 232 cover aircraft hijacking?
Yes. It punishes unlawfully bringing an aircraft in flight under one's own or another's control, with a base penalty of seven to twenty years imprisonment and a fine of 140,000 to 400,000 baht.
How much heavier is the penalty if someone is hurt or killed?
Grievous bodily harm raises the penalty to life imprisonment or fifteen to twenty years, and a death raises it to the death penalty.