While most people who travel to Thailand come for the interesting culture, beaches, and food, others take their travels too far. Getting arrested in Thailand is not on travelers’ or expats’ to-do lists, but it does happen. With more and more random police searches happening throughout the Sukhumvit Road area of Bangkok, more and more people will likely be in need of legal assistance. Sometimes, people are able to talk to the police, show their passport, and go on their way, avoiding getting arrested in Thailand and going to Thai jail. However, many foreign travelers are not aware of all of the rules, regulations, and laws of Thailand, and may make some bad decisions, which lead to arrest. This article has been written to provide 5 important tips for those who find themselves arrested in Thailand.

1. Call a lawyer. If you get arrested in Thailand, the police may seem to not want to allow you to contact an attorney. However, you have every right to contact a lawyer to help you. With a Thai lawyer present, you will be fully protected from any legal issues you may encounter.
2. Be sure not to sign a ‘guilty’ plea or any other document or statement you cannot read and understand in your native language. Thai law allows for an interpreter to be present, and the police cannot compel you to sign a document.
3. Do not discuss your residence, hotel, or house. It is almost certain that the police will ask about where you live, but volunteering this information is not necessary, and it could also increase your risk of getting arrested in Thailand.
4. Help the police. After contacting a Thai lawyer to be with you while the police question you, it can actually be beneficial to assist the police with their investigations. Thai law allows for reduced penalties for people who assist the police with their investigations. However, it is very important for you to have a registered Thai lawyer present, to make sure you do not just offer free help that further implicates you.
5. Have your Thai lawyer apply for bail. Getting arrested in Thailand is bad enough, but having to spend time in a Thai jail or a Thai prison is even worse. The conditions of the Thai prisons are notoriously dismal, and avoiding these places is important. The police will only hold you for a maximum of 48 hours before transferring you to a Thai court and then on to Thai jail. The next step is to have your Thai lawyer apply for bail. Bail in Thailand should be applied for by a registered Thai barrister, and not any bail agent who approaches you. Finding a trustworthy Thai lawyer can be challenging, but Thailand Bail extends our professionalism and reliability to each case we accept. It is important to note that the bail money is refundable to you once your case concludes, and our legal fees for bail applications are the lowest of any international law firm in Thailand.

While each arrest and criminal proceeding in Thailand is unique, the aforementioned tips will help you avoid complications to your situation. Of course, if you need legal assistance, contact Thailand Bail as soon as possible.