Section 378 — Dumping animal carcasses in public
English translation
Whoever dumps an animal carcass which may become putrid and malodorous in or beside a public way or in a public place shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five 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
This petty offence protects public spaces from nuisance and health risk. The elements are (1) dumping an animal carcass, (2) which may become putrid and malodorous, and (3) in or beside a public way or in a public place. It is a fine-only offence and complements the following provision, which addresses an owner's failure to dispose of a dead animal properly; here the wrong is the act of discarding a carcass in a public space rather than a failure of proper disposal by the animal's keeper.
Why this matters in practice
The only penalty is a fine of up to 5,000 baht, so there is no imprisonment exposure. In practice, disputes turn on whether the carcass was actually dumped by the accused and whether the location qualifies as a public way or public place. Because the offence looks to a carcass that merely may rot and smell, actual decomposition need not have occurred at the time of the act.
Frequently asked questions
Is it illegal to dump a dead animal on a public road in Thailand?
Yes. Under Section 378, dumping an animal carcass that may rot and smell in or beside a public way or in a public place is a petty offence with a fine of up to 5,000 baht.
Must the carcass already be rotting for Section 378 to apply?
No. The section covers a carcass that may become putrid and malodorous, so it is enough that decomposition is likely; it need not have started at the time of dumping.