Section 237 — Poisoning public food or water
English translation
Whoever puts a poisonous substance into food, drinking water, or water for use of the public shall be liable to imprisonment from six months to ten years and a fine from ten thousand baht to two hundred 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
The elements are introducing a poisonous substance into food, drinking water, or water for public use. Unlike Section 236, which requires only that harm be likely together with a purpose of sale, this section targets the direct poisoning of shared public supplies and carries a heavier, cumulative penalty of both imprisonment and a fine. It belongs to the public danger offences because the risk is to the community at large. Section 238 raises the penalty to as high as the death penalty or life imprisonment where a death results, and Section 239 covers the negligent form.
Why this matters in practice
This is a serious charge: the penalty combines imprisonment of six months to ten years with a mandatory fine, and the exposure rises sharply under Section 238 if anyone dies. The prosecution must prove the substance was poisonous and that it was introduced into a public food or water source. Because the community is the protected interest, this is not an offence the parties can simply settle privately. Early forensic evidence on the substance and the supply affected is usually decisive.
Frequently asked questions
How is Section 237 different from Section 236?
Section 236 covers adulterating goods for sale where health harm is likely, while Section 237 covers directly putting poison into the public's food or water and carries a heavier combined penalty.
What is the penalty for poisoning public water in Thailand?
Under Section 237, imprisonment from six months to ten years together with a fine from 10,000 to 200,000 baht, and more if a death results under Section 238.