Section 300 — Negligence causing grievous harm
English translation
Whoever commits an act of negligence, and such act causes grievous bodily harm to another person, shall be liable to imprisonment not exceeding three years, or a fine not exceeding sixty 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
The elements are: (1) an act done negligently, without intent, and (2) grievous bodily harm to another person, as defined in Section 297, resulting from it. The offence is the negligence counterpart to the intentional grievous-harm provision in Section 297, and it parallels Section 291, which covers negligence causing death. Because it requires no intent, the focus is on whether the accused fell below the standard of care and whether the resulting injury meets the statutory definition of grievous harm. In practice most prosecutions arise from traffic incidents and are charged together with Road Traffic Act offences.
Why this matters in practice
Exposure is up to three years, but because there is no intent, sentences are frequently suspended, converted, or fined, especially where the accused pleads guilty and compensates the victim. Compensation and settlement are practically central: the civil claim for damages usually runs alongside the criminal case, and full restitution weighs heavily in mitigation. Common defences dispute negligence itself, contributory fault of the victim, or whether the injury truly qualifies as grievous under Section 297. For guidance on defending a negligence charge, read our overview of Thai criminal law.
Supreme Court decisions interpreting this section
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Supreme Court Judgment No. 194/2568 (2025)
Negligent conduct, typically a road accident, that causes grievous bodily harm is prosecuted under Section 300 together with Road Traffic Act offences, and injured parties may join as co-plaintiffs on the negligence charge.
The defendant was prosecuted under Sections 300 and 390 with Road Traffic Act offences for a negligent act causing injury; the court allowed the injured parties to join as co-plaintiffs only on the negligence charge and confirmed its power to order consecutive service of sentence on the prosecution's request.
Curated decisions with case numbers verified against the Supreme Court database. English renderings are the firm's editorial translation for study.
Frequently asked questions
Is a road accident that seriously injures someone a crime in Thailand?
It can be. Under Section 300, negligent conduct, including careless driving, that causes grievous bodily harm to another person is an offence punishable by up to three years imprisonment, and is usually charged with Road Traffic Act offences.
Does paying compensation help in a Section 300 case?
Yes. Because the offence involves no intent, full compensation and settlement with the victim are given significant weight in mitigation and can support a suspended or reduced sentence.