23rd May, 2020
First and foremost, it is important to note that the use or possession of recreational drugs is illegal in Thailand. The Kingdom has very strict policies on drugs, and laws will be enforced. Additionally, acts of petty theft, random violence and vandalism can find you in a load of trouble. The Thai jail system is rumored to be quite unpleasant, and is definitely not the place you want to spend the remainder of your holiday.
If you are arrested in Thailand for illegal activities, the first thing to remember is to be polite at all times. Remember that you are a visitor in the country and you have broken a law. If you are arrested by the police and taken to the police station for further questioning, you will need a lawyer that specializes in criminal law.
It’s important that you contact a lawyer or a law firm that specializes in criminal law. Criminal law is not just drug cases, it covers a wider realm such as immigration law as well. You will need knowledgeable representation on your side. If you are in Phuket and find yourself in trouble with the law, Harwell Legal International is able to help you. We have a professional team of lawyers well-versed in legal issues and criminal law cases.
After the lawyer has been contacted, if you are still at the police station and are told you need to be placed in a holding cell, it is extremely important that you do not sign any documents or paperwork that you do not understand. It is common for the police to put a police report or charge report in front of you to sign. It’s highly advised to not sign any paperwork or documents without the presence of your lawyer. If you do not read or write Thai, you have no idea what you are signing, which could lead to even more problems with your case. For example, the charge illegal activities listed on the paperwork could very well be different to the original violation you brought to the police station for.
If you are a foreign national that has been arrested in Thailand, in most instances you are able to post bail. However, you will need to come up with the bail money by yourself. Bail fees in Thailand vary depending upon the type of crime. A generalization of fees can be anywhere from 10,000 Thai baht up to 2,000,000 Thai baht.
In some cases, it is possible that your lawyer can post bail for you at the police station and you can be let out. However, if you are arrested for a more serious offense and are viewed as a flight risk, chances are that you will need to enter the Thai jail system and wait for your first court appearance. If your situation is the latter, the lawyer will address specific fees and charges with you throughout the duration of your case.
If you are arrested for illegal activities in Thailand, it’s crucial to contact a legal professional such as Harwell Legal International immediately. This firm specializes in criminal law cases including drug offenses and immigration issues. Remember to remain polite and refrain from signing any documents in a language you do not comprehend, as this could complicate your case. If possible, post bail which can range from 10,000 to 2,000,000 Thai baht depending on the crime. Harwell Legal International can provide expert consultation and services to navigate the Thai legal system, particularly in instances of illegal activities.
The best advice that our team of lawyers at Harwell Legal can offer you is to stay out of trouble while you are on holiday in Thailand. Stay away from recreational drugs, and do your best to not get yourself into a harmful or potentially violent situation.
If you need help with a criminal law case in Thailand, Harwell Legal is here to offer professional consultation and services. For further information, reach out to us via email at office@harwell-legal.com
30th Jul, 2020
People interested in a Phuket property investment are likely to be overwhelmed when it comes to owning property as a foreigner in Thailand. While the spectrum may be very broad, as long as you have a good legal team to answer your questions, the process can actually be seamless.
29th Jul, 2019
A divorce is not something that is very pleasant to go through, yet sometimes, a marriage simply doesn’t work out – and one is simply unable to cohabit along with their spouse peacefully. Divorce meaning or divorce definition is a couple who want to separate legally.
12th Jul, 2020
In Thailand, it is not unusual to hear horrific stories of debt collectors tricking debtors into paying obscene amounts of money through giving false information, or even by resorting to abusive language, violence or blackmail. Thankfully, in a well-appointed effort to get rid of such practices, the National Legislative Assembly of Thailand voted on a proposed Debt Collection Act.
25th Jun, 2019
There is no question about it. Thailand is one of the most popular locations in the world to travel to or live in. The dream of living in a tropical paradise is in many different people’s mind – no matter from which corner of the world they have their origins. When talking about tropical paradise, Thailand always comes up on the top 3 of countries to be relocating to if the possibility arises.