Section 373: Neglecting a person of unsound mind
Statutory text (Thai original)
ผู้ใดควบคุมดูแลบุคคลวิกลจริต ปล่อยปละละเลยให้บุคคลวิกลจริตนั้นออกเที่ยวไปโดยลำพัง ต้องระวางโทษปรับไม่เกินห้าพันบาท หมายเหตุ: [อัตราโทษ แก้ไขเพิ่มเติมโดยมาตรา ๖ แห่งพระราชบัญญัติแก้ไขเพิ่มเติมประมวลกฎหมายอาญา (ฉบับที่ ๒๒) พ.ศ. ๒๕๕๘]
English translation
Whoever, having charge of a person of unsound mind, neglectfully allows that person to go about alone, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five thousand baht.
ThaiLawOnline translation, written from the Thai original and verified
Firm annotation
The elements are having charge of a person of unsound mind, and neglectfully allowing that person to go about alone. Liability rests on the neglect of the person in charge, and the section does not require that any harm was caused. The penalty is a fine only, not exceeding 5,000 baht, so no custodial sentence is available; the rate was set by Section 6 of the Penal Code Amendment Act (No. 22) B.E. 2558. The corresponding provision for animals is Section 377, which punishes a person having charge of a fierce or dangerous animal who neglectfully allows it to go about alone in a manner that may cause harm to a person or to property, and which does carry imprisonment of up to one month, or a fine of up to 10,000 baht, or both.
Why this matters in practice
Exposure is a fine of up to 5,000 baht and nothing more, so this section carries no custodial risk. What has to be established is that the accused had charge of the person and that the person was allowed to go about alone through neglect. Where harm actually results the real exposure lies elsewhere, in civil liability for the damage and, depending on the facts, in a more serious offence. Do not confuse this section with Section 377, which deals with a fierce or dangerous animal and does carry imprisonment; see criminal law in Thailand.
Frequently asked questions
When is someone liable under Section 373?
When a person having charge of a person of unsound mind neglectfully allows that person to go about alone. No harm needs to have been caused.
What is the penalty under Section 373?
A fine not exceeding 5,000 baht. The section provides no imprisonment.
What is the rule for a dangerous animal?
That is Section 377, not this section. It punishes a person having charge of a fierce or dangerous animal who neglectfully lets it go about alone in a manner that may cause harm, with up to one month's imprisonment, or a fine of up to 10,000 baht, or both.
Related guides on ThaiLawOnline
Cite this section
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Plain citation
Penal Code, s. 373 (Thailand) -
Academic citation
Penal Code (Thailand), s. 373. ThaiLawOnline, https://www.thailawonline.com/thai-penal-code/section-373/ (accessed 17 August 2026). -
Thai citation
ป.อ. มาตรา 373 -
Permalink
https://www.thailawonline.com/thai-penal-code/section-373/ -
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<blockquote cite="https://www.thailawonline.com/thai-penal-code/section-373/"><p>Whoever, having charge of a person of unsound mind, neglectfully allows that person to go about alone, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five thousand baht.</p><footer>Penal Code, s. 373 (Thailand) — <a href="https://www.thailawonline.com/thai-penal-code/section-373/">ThaiLawOnline</a></footer></blockquote>
The Thai text is authoritative. The English is an unofficial translation by ThaiLawOnline, free to reuse with attribution.