Rights of Suspects in Criminal Cases during Investigation Stage

Police officer has the rights to keep the arrested for investigation for 48 hours. In case the investigation is not finished within 48 hours, the police officer must request the court to grant the power to extend the time of arrested in confinement. This extended period shall be under the consideration of the court.

During the 48 hours of investigation stage, suspect or accused have the rights as follows:

1. To be informed of charges by the police officer. The arrest warrant (if any) must be shown to the arrested.
2. To remain silence or testify any facts.
3. To inform relatives or any people of the arrest and incarcerated place.
4. To privately consult with his lawyer by making request (written or verbal) to policeman for meeting with lawyer at a police station. A suspect who cannot afford a lawyer, the court can provided a lawyer without any cost.
5. To have an interpreter (for non-Thai speaker) provided by police or court for legal procedures translation.
6. To have a lawyer present with them at every steps in investigating stage.
7. To receive visitation (if incarcerated) during business hours or other times allowed by police officer on duty.
8. To be escorted to government hospital if sick before confinement. If the suspect is sick during confinement, the police on duty will send the suspect to the hospital after received permission from the police station chief.
9. The suspect can post bail by himself or by friends, relatives, lawyer, or a bailsman by submitting bail request form to investigating officer. The results of the bail shall be reviewed within 24 hours.