By Barrister Garn T., practicing since 2010 · Last reviewed: 7 October 2026
> Arrested or summoned right now? Call 02 097 0477 or WhatsApp +66 86 565 1791. Do not sign any statement you do not understand.
Being accused of a crime in Thailand is serious, and harder still in a foreign language. Police questioning, charge documents and court hearings are all in Thai. Siam Center Law Group defends foreigners and represents victims in Thai criminal cases, explaining each step in English and acting quickly on bail and police interviews.
In short: We represent foreign suspects and defendants from the first police contact through investigation, bail, prosecution, trial and appeal. We also help victims file criminal complaints and claim compensation.
If You or a Family Member Is Arrested in Thailand — First Steps
- Stay calm and ask for a lawyer and an interpreter. You have the right to both during police questioning.
- Do not sign documents you do not understand. Ask for a translation first.
- Ask the police to inform your embassy if you want consular help.
- Contact a lawyer about bail early. Police can hold a suspect only for a limited time before they must bring them to court. Related: Bail in Thai criminal cases, Same-day court bail for foreigners, Pretrial detention.
- Received a police summons? Get advice before you attend. Related: Police summons — what to do.
Criminal Matters We Handle
- Police investigation and interrogation: we attend interviews and prepare written statements. Related: Criminal investigation defense.
- Bail and temporary release at police and court stages.
- Fraud, cheque and financial offences. Related: Bounced cheque liability, Public fraud / pyramid schemes.
- Assault, self-defense and violent offences. Related: Self-defense under Thai law, Intent to kill vs intent to harm.
- Sexual offence allegations. Related: Defending rape and child-abduction allegations.
- Traffic and DUI-related cases. Related: Drunk pedestrian accident.
- Defamation, including online posts. Related: Secret audio evidence in defamation cases.
- Customs, cash and immigration-related offences. Related: Bringing cash into Thailand.
- Victims: we help file criminal complaints, bring private prosecutions and claim compensation. Related: Filing a criminal complaint, Victim compensation (Section 44/1), Public vs private prosecution.
The Thai Criminal Process Step by Step
- Complaint or arrest. A case starts with a police complaint, or with a victim filing directly in court. Related: Where to file a complaint.
- Police investigation. Police gather evidence, question the suspect and send the file to the public prosecutor with an opinion.
- Prosecutor’s decision. The prosecutor decides whether to indict.
- Preliminary examination (private prosecutions). The court checks that the case has merit before accepting it. Related: Preliminary examination.
- Trial. Witness examination and cross-examination take place in Thai, with an interpreter for the defendant. Related: Cross-examination and credibility.
- Mediation and settlement. Compoundable offences can end through settlement with the victim. Related: Criminal case mediation.
- Judgment and appeal to the Appeal Court and, in some cases, the Supreme Court, within strict time limits.
For a general overview, see Criminal prosecution in Thailand and Criminal defense strategy.
Rights of Foreign Suspects in Thailand
- The right to a lawyer, and to have one present during police questioning.
- The right to an interpreter if you do not understand Thai.
- The right to apply for bail at the police stage and the court stage.
- The right to contact your embassy.
- The right not to be forced into a confession.
- A foreigner facing charges may be restricted from leaving Thailand, and a conviction can affect visas. Related: Thailand Immigration Act Section 12.
Why Siam Center Law Group
- English-speaking criminal litigators who have appeared in Thai courts since 2010.
- Fast response for arrests, bail and police interviews.
- Careful use of evidence, with an honest assessment of risk and no promises we cannot keep.
- Consultations from our Bangkok office, by phone, LINE or WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a foreigner do if arrested in Thailand?
Stay calm. Ask for a lawyer and an interpreter, and do not sign any document you do not understand. You can ask police to notify your embassy. Contact a Thai criminal lawyer as early as possible to protect your rights during questioning and to apply for bail.
Can a foreigner get bail in Thailand?
Yes. Foreigners can apply for bail at the police stage and the court stage. The court considers flight risk, the seriousness of the charge and the security offered. Because foreigners are often seen as a flight risk, a well-prepared application matters.
Do I have the right to a lawyer during police questioning in Thailand?
Yes. A suspect has the right to consult a lawyer and to have one present during police interrogation, and police should inform the suspect of this right before questioning.
Can a criminal case in Thailand be settled with the victim?
For compoundable offences, such as many defamation, cheque and minor fraud cases, a settlement and withdrawal of the complaint ends the criminal case. For non-compoundable offences, a settlement does not end the case, but it may be considered at sentencing.
Can I leave Thailand while my criminal case is pending?
Usually not without permission. Bail conditions often restrict travel, and a court or the police may request a travel ban. Leaving without permission can lead to forfeited bail and an arrest warrant.
How long does a criminal case take in Thailand?
It varies with the offence, the investigation and the court schedule. Detention before charge is limited by law. The time to trial and appeal depends heavily on the case.
Can a victim file a criminal case directly in court in Thailand?
Yes. An injured person can file a private prosecution directly in court, and the court holds a preliminary examination before accepting the case. Victims can also claim compensation within the criminal case.
Speak With an English-Speaking Criminal Lawyer in Bangkok
Urgent help is available. Tell us what happened, and we will explain your options under Thai law.
- Phone: 02 097 0477 (from abroad: +66 2 097 0477)
- WhatsApp: +66 86 565 1791
- LINE: garn77
- Online: Contact us
This page provides general information on Thai law and is not legal advice for your specific situation.