Question 1

Who is allowed to represent me in a Thai court?

Accepted Answer

Only a lawyer licensed and registered with the Lawyers Council of Thailand under the Lawyers Act B.E. 2528 (1985) may draft pleadings and appear for another person in a Thai court. You may represent yourself, but you cannot appoint a non-lawyer to argue for you. Foreign legal consultants may advise on foreign law and transactions but have no right of audience in Thai courts. Ask for the licence number and verify it with the Lawyers Council (lawyerscouncil.or.th). Talk it through with our Thai-licensed lawyers by phone, LINE or email before you act.

Question 2

What is the general limitation period for civil claims in Thailand?

Accepted Answer

Section 193/30 of the Civil and Commercial Code sets a default limitation period of ten years where no other period is prescribed. Many claims are far shorter: a tort claim under Section 448 must be brought within one year of the injured party learning of the wrongful act and the identity of the person liable, and in any event within ten years of the act. Merchants' claims for goods and services under Section 193/34 are shorter still. Never assume ten years applies — the period follows the nature of the claim. Talk it through with our Thai-licensed lawyers by phone, LINE or email before you act.

Question 3

Can I recover a debt in Thailand without a written contract?

Accepted Answer

Often yes, but proof becomes the whole case. Bank transfer slips, chat messages, invoices, delivery notes and part-payments can establish the obligation. Note that Section 653 of the Civil and Commercial Code requires written evidence signed by the borrower to sue on a loan of money above the threshold set in that section, so informal cash lending is the hardest scenario. A written demand letter is also usually needed to place the debtor in default under Section 204 before interest and damages run. Talk it through with our Thai-licensed lawyers by phone, LINE or email before you act.

Question 4

I have been summoned by Thai police. What are my rights?

Accepted Answer

Under Section 7/1 of the Criminal Procedure Code a suspect may meet and consult a lawyer in private and may have a lawyer or a trusted person present during questioning. Section 134 requires the inquiry officer to inform you of the allegation and your rights before taking a statement, and you may remain silent. If you do not understand Thai, an interpreter is required under Section 13. Read the record fully before signing — the Thai text is the version that counts. Talk it through with our Thai-licensed lawyers by phone, LINE or email before you act.

Question 5

How does bail work in a Thai criminal case?

Accepted Answer

Provisional release is the starting principle under Sections 107 to 108/1 of the Criminal Procedure Code, and refusal must rest on statutory grounds such as flight risk or interference with evidence. Security can take several forms — cash, land title deeds with a valuation, bank passbooks with a bank certificate, a bail insurance bond, or in some cases a government official's position. Amounts follow the Office of the Judiciary's standard schedule for the offence charged, which is revised periodically, so confirm the current figure with the court hearing the case. Talk it through with our Thai-licensed lawyers by phone, LINE or email before you act.

Question 6

Does my embassy get involved if I am arrested in Thailand?

Accepted Answer

Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 1963, to which Thailand is a party, gives you the right to have your consulate notified and to communicate with consular officers. In practice a consulate can visit, notify family, and provide a list of local lawyers, but it cannot intervene in Thai proceedings, pay bail, or secure release. Practical defence still depends on a Thai-licensed lawyer and a qualified interpreter at every stage. Talk it through with our Thai-licensed lawyers by phone, LINE or email before you act.

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Q1015. Which language should govern a bilingual Thai-English contract?

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