
Criminal Defense in
Thailand
Stiff prison sentences and harsh fines reflect the realities of Thailand. Hire a lawyer that looks out for the foreigner’s interest and helps you navigate through the complexities of the Thai criminal system.
Verdicts
Unlike the United States and other western countries, there are no juries. Thai judges decide all cases and the prosecution must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. Foreigners charged with drug crimes, money laundering, and other serious offenses face stiff prison sentences and heavy fines.
Drug Possession
If you are found guilty of possession of marijuana you could receive a long prison sentence and/or a heavy fine. If you’re found guilty of being in possession of 20 grams of a Class A drug on exiting Thailand you risk receiving the death penalty. Amphetamines and ecstasy are regarded as Class A drugs and possession or trafficking carries the same penalty as heroin.
Prison
Conditions in prisons and other detention facilities in Thailand are harsh, with limited access to healthcare. There have been recent cases of detainees dying in custody.
E-Cigarettes
Vaporisers (like e-cigarettes and e-baraku) and refills are illegal in Thailand. These items may be confiscated and you could be fined or sent to prison for up to 10 years if convicted. Their sale or supply is also banned and you could face a heavy fine or up to 5 years imprisonment if found guilty.
Case Length
Thai law allows the accused to post bail while awaiting his/her trial. Typically, cases take 6-12 months.
Cross Border Lawyers Represent Foreigners in All Cases Including:
- Drugs
- Fraud
- Embezzlement
- Money laundering
- Sex crimes
- Theft / Burglary / Larceny
- Murder
- Arson
- ATM Fraud
- Assault
- Battery
- Bribery
- Child Abuse
- Computer Crime
- Controlled Substances
- Credit Card Fraud
- Criminal Defense
- DUI
- DWI
- Felonies
- Homicide
- Identity Theft
- Juvenile Crime
- Manslaughter
- Narcotics
- Perjury
- Prostitution
- Rape
Cigarettes
It is illegal to import more than 200 cigarettes per person into Thailand. This is enforced at customs on arrival. Those who exceed the limit may be fined ten times the value of the items and face confiscation of the cigarettes.
Arrest Warrants
Normally, an arrest warrant is required for any arrest. his is governed by Section 80 of the Criminal Procedure Act of Thailand. However, some circumstances are excempt from this process. Learn more - Contact Us.
Sex Charges
Sexual offense is outlined in Thailand’s Section 276 thatcovers unwanted sexual intercourse through threats, physical harm, or exploitation. The punishment for this crime is imprisonment from 4-20 years and a fine of up to 40,000 baht. If a weapon is used, the punishment can be raised to 15 years to even life imprisonment. Learn more - Contact Us.
DUI
Thailand’s legal blood alcohol limit of 0.05 is lower than countries like the UK and the United States (0.08). Those found driving under the influence could be looking at a hefty fine of 60,000 baht or 6 months in prison - or sometimes both. Learn more - Contact Us.

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