From Death Penalty to 2 Years: An Impressive Legal Victory

At Thailand Bail, we’re proud to share one of our most remarkable successes: reducing a potential death penalty sentence for our client to just two years in prison. This achievement is particularly outstanding given the complexity of the case, which involved international suspects and victims from five different countries, and the high media attention it received.

Our client, Zwe Lin Pyae, was the primary defendant in the widely publicized murder case of Chu Chiang Shen. This case was followed closely by media outlets worldwide, and many similar cases ended with severe sentences such as life in prison or even the death penalty. That’s what makes this result so exceptional—our client, facing the most serious charges, walked away with a significantly reduced sentence.

How Did We Do It?

New Appointments in Thailand’s Legal Landscape: Supreme Court and Attorney General

Thailand’s legal system recently saw two significant appointments that could shape the judicial landscape in the years ahead.

Supreme Court’s New President
Chotiwat Luengprasert has been appointed as the new president of the Supreme Court. A highly experienced legal professional, Chotiwat brings years of judicial expertise, having previously served as the president of the Labour Case Division of the Supreme Court. His journey through various prominent positions, including the Court of Appeal and the Central Labour Court, has prepared him to lead the country’s highest court for the next year. He will succeed Piyakul Boonperm, marking a key transition in the leadership of Thailand’s judiciary.

Criminal Defense Lawyers in Thailand: A Comprehensive Guide for 2024

Criminal defense in Thailand can be a daunting process, especially for foreigners unfamiliar with the Thai legal system. Navigating this complex landscape requires a deep understanding of local laws, court procedures, and cultural nuances. At Thailand Bail, we specialize in providing expert legal representation to both Thai nationals and foreigners facing criminal charges. This article aims to shed light on the intricacies of criminal defense in Thailand and how our experienced legal team can assist you in achieving the best possible outcome.

Understanding the Thai Legal System

The Thai legal system is based on civil law, influenced by ancient Hindu and Buddhist traditions, as well as Western legal principles. The system is characterized by a formal and hierarchical structure, with the Constitutional Court at the apex, followed by the Supreme Court, the Courts of Appeal, and the Courts of First Instance. Criminal cases typically start in the Courts of First Instance, which include the Criminal Court, Provincial Courts, and District Courts.

New Thailand Drug Law (June 2024) for Meth

On June 18, 2024, a significant shift occurred in Thailand’s approach to methamphetamine possession that we at Thailand Bail would like to highlight. The Public Health Minister, Somsak Thepsuthin, announced a new regulation reducing the permissible amount for personal use to just one pill of methamphetamine or 20 milligrams of crystal meth (“ice”). This change aims to combat the rampant drug problem in Thailand by focusing on rehabilitation over prosecution, but also tightening the criteria to qualify for rehabilitation.

Key Changes in Regulation

Under the new rule, possessing more than one meth pill or 20 milligrams of crystal meth will lead to criminal charges rather than a chance for rehabilitation.

How Many Inmates Are There in Thailand?

Thailand’s prison system is under considerable strain, with inmate numbers far exceeding the intended capacity, as reported by the Bangkok Post recently. The Thai Justice Ministry has proposed a significant measure to alleviate this issue by amending regulations to allow suspects, whose cases have not yet reached court, to avoid pre-trial detention through the use of Electronic Ankle Monitoring (EM) bracelets. This initiative is a pragmatic approach to addressing prison overcrowding and has broader implications for the criminal justice system in Thailand.

Inside a Thai Court Room – What to Expect

If it is your first time visiting a Thai court room, you might not be sure what to expect. This article from Thailand Bail will explain some things you will encounter in the court room in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, or elsewhere. The first step is to find the court that you need to be at. This might not be as easy as you might think. For example, in Bangkok there are over 10 courts. The courts in Bangkok are separated by criminal and civil matters, and then criminal matters are further separated into cases that have potential maximum penalties of up to 3 years and those that have higher maximum penalties. These two criminal courts are known as the district court and the provincial court. The provincial court handles the more serious cases. In other locations such as Phuket, there is also a separate building for the district court, not in the same location as the provincial court. In addition to the 2 types of criminal courts in Bangkok, there are many other courts in Bangkok. Below is a summary of some of the courts in Thailand:

1. Central Bankruptcy Court: This court specifically handles bankruptcy cases. It’s located in Bangkok and deals exclusively with financial insolvencies and restructurings.

Navigating the Thai Judicial Landscape in 2024: Insights and Key Locations

As we venture into 2024, Thailand’s judicial system continues to be a complex yet fascinating structure, steeped in both tradition and modern legal practices. For expatriates, tourists, and even locals, understanding the nuances of this system can be crucial, especially when legal challenges arise. This blog post aims to shed light on key components of Thailand’s court system, with a focus on prominent institutions like the Bangkok Criminal Court, the Pattaya Provincial Court, and the Bang Kwang Central Prison. Each of these courts and prisons in Thailand have different procedures, so it is important to contact a capable law firm before going there.

The Bangkok Criminal Court: A Central Pillar of Justice

Situated in the heart of Thailand’s bustling capital, the Bangkok Criminal Court remains a pivotal institution in the Thai legal system. In 2024,

Don’t Get Arrested Like This Person – Spend a Little to Save a Lot

The Phuket Express recently published a story about a foreigner who got arrested at the airport when he flew back into Thailand. He did not realise that he was wanted by the court for illegal gun possession, as well as other charges. As you can see in the link below, he does not seem to be in a very good situation, being surrounded by Royal Thai Police. How might he have avoided this situation? Had he done an inexpensive blacklist check before he flew back to Thailand, it would have revealed

Blacklisted in Thailand: Immigration Appeal or Administrative Court Case?

Today’s article is a continuation of the topic of being blacklisted in Thailand. Many people contact us about the Thai blacklist, so we try to provide as much helpful information on the Thailand Bail website as possible. One of the biggest topics that comes up in most cases is whether to file an appeal of one’s blacklist to the Thai Immigration Bureau or if it is advisable instead to file a case with the Administrative Court in Bangkok. This article will discuss, in general, each option. Of course, every person’s Thai blacklist case is different, so you should contact us to discuss your case in detail after reading this article on being blacklisted in Thailand.

We Win: Successfully Clearing a Drink Driving Case Over the Limit

Thailand Bail recently successfully cleared a drink driving case where our client was well over the legal limit of alcohol in his blood. In Thailand, there are various limits of blood-alcohol levels, including one limit over which the police are typically obligated to press criminal charges. This potentially lead to prison time as well as being deported and blacklisted from Thailand. However, Thailand Bail’s lawyers and case managers were able to successfully clear this case for our client in Nonthaburi, just north of the capital Bangkok. Read below for more information on our recent success, which is also highlighted in our “Success Story” webpage as Success Story #16.