Thailand Bail Secures Acquittal in High-Profile Murder-for-Hire Case

Summary: Mr. Feng Hao Chang Found “Not Guilty” of Planning Murder; Other Defendants Sentenced to 21-27 Years in Thai Prison

On July 25, 2025, Thailand Bail achieved a landmark courtroom victory: the complete acquittal of Mr. Feng Hao Chang in one of Thailand’s most sensational murder-for-hire trials. While two co-defendants received lengthy prison sentences of 27 and 21 years, our client walked free, vindicated after nearly two years in detention.

A Case Straight Out of a Crime Drama

The case captured international attention as early as 2023, when Mr. Feng Hao Chang and two former Thai Navy SEALs were arrested. The alleged plot targeted his own son, his son’s mother, and their lawyer, amid a bitter family struggle for control of a lucrative electronics manufacturing empire valued at nearly $100 million USD.

The story had all the elements of a thriller – family infighting reminiscent of HBO’s Succession, amateur hitmen, and even weapons stockpiles. One Navy SEAL pled guilty on the first day of trial, attempting to pin the conspiracy on our client. Another had a history of violence, including a prior conviction for murder that had once earned him a life sentence.

Thailand Bail WINS !!! Proof that Foreigners Can Win Cases Against Thais in Thailand

Thailand Bail’s lawyers and international legal team won an important case in Rayong today, 24 July 2025. Not only did we win the case for our Australian defendant, we counter-sued the Thai plaintiffs who brought the case against our client. Against what many foreigners believe about Thai law, foreigners can win cases against Thais, when the evidence supports them. Our lawyers vigorously defended our client in the Rayong Court, winning the case against him, as well as successfully counter-suing for over 200,000 Thai baht in compensation. This is a great win for our team, and we also thank our client for working together with us for this win. This is Thailand Bail’s approach – a collaboration with our client. Of course, we are the legal experts in Thailand, but it is the life of our client on the line. We utilized this collaborative approach with our client to come up with the right evidence to show the police and prosecutor. Further than that, we discovered evidence that would help our client counter-sue, which we recommended to him.

Why Jumping Out of a Thai Police Station Window Is a Terrible Bail Plan

In a story that recently made headlines in Thailand, a suspect under investigation for fraud attempted a dramatic escape by jumping out of a second-story window at the Pattaya police station. According to a report by the Bangkok Post, the 38-year-old Chinese man had been taken into custody and was being held for questioning when he took advantage of a brief moment of inattention. Without warning, he ran toward an open window and leaped out—disappearing before officers could respond. While he initially managed to evade capture, his freedom was short-lived. He was later found and apprehended in Chanthaburi Province.

This incident, while certainly sensational, is also a clear example of what not to do when facing criminal charges in Thailand. Attempting to flee police custody—especially by launching oneself from a second-story window—adds layers of legal and personal complications. At best, it delays the inevitable. At worst, it can result in injury, new charges, and increased scrutiny from authorities. While it may sound like something out of an action movie, the consequences are all too real.

Defendants Seeking International Bail in Thailand

At the beginning of 2025, Thailand’s Criminal Court granted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra permission to travel abroad. The cases of Thaksin are well-known in Thailand and beyond, but understanding how it can relate to a defendant in Thailand may not be obvious. There are indeed stringent conditions under which Thai courts may allow individuals facing legal proceedings to leave the country, and this can help you too.

The Case at Hand

Thaksin Shinawatra, facing charges including lese-majeste and computer crimes, requested court approval to attend an ASEAN meeting in Malaysia. The court permitted this travel on the condition that he posted a 5-million-baht cash surety, reported back within three days of his return, and notified the Immigration Bureau upon re-entry. This marked his first approved international trip since returning from exile in August 2023.

Understanding International Bail in Thailand

International bail is typically granted under exceptional circumstances. Defendants must provide compelling reasons for travel, such as medical emergencies, critical business obligations, or significant family events. Courts assess these requests meticulously, considering factors like the nature of the charges, flight risk, and the defendant’s history of compliance with legal proceedings.

Thailand Bail Secures Complete Acquittal for Drug Import Defendant on Appeal

At Thailand Bail, we are proud to stand by our clients through every step of their legal challenges, from the initial trial to the final verdict on appeal.

Recently, the second defendant in a high-profile criminal case in Thailand, was initially sentenced to life imprisonment by the Court of First Instance. Following this severe outcome, the family turned to Thailand Bail for guidance and support.

We were engaged to consult on the appeal process, carefully reviewing the trial court’s findings, the evidence, and the procedural issues that could be raised on appeal. Our team coordinated with the lead defense counsel to ensure that the appeal was strategically presented, with a focus on correcting the errors of the initial proceedings and fully protecting our client’s rights.

Car Crash Auto Accident Lawyer Thailand - Thailand Bail

Car Crash or Auto Accident Lawyer in Thailand

This post is about a recent story involving a Thai rock singer, Tik Shiro, who was involved in a fatal car crash / auto accident in Thailand. From the article on the Bangkok Post, in a tragic incident on October 10, 2024, renowned Thai rock singer Manaswin “Tik Shiro” Nuntasane was involved in a fatal accident in Bangkok’s Sai Mai district. While driving his van on a bridge over Theparak Road, he collided with a motorcycle carrying siblings Thianporn and Chakkrapat Siwapornpitak. The accident resulted in the immediate death of 28-year-old Thianporn, while her 21-year-old brother, Chakkrapat, sustained severe injuries and, after over 70 days of hospitalization, passed away on January 18, 2025.

Following the incident, Tik Shiro and his family offered compensation of 4–5 million baht to the victims’ family. However, the Siwapornpitak family deemed this amount insufficient, especially after losing both children, and requested 24 million baht in compensation. Negotiations have been challenging, with the singer’s family expressing readiness to take responsibility but finding the demanded sum beyond their means.

Avoid Getting Arrested in Thailand: Check Your Immigration Status Before You Fly – Thailand Bail Reviews the News 2025

Imagine landing in Thailand, excited for your trip, only to be stopped by immigration and taken into custody. Sounds like a nightmare, right? Well, that’s exactly what happened to two Chinese travelers recently. They were arrested at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport because they were wanted in Hong Kong for murder. Thai authorities got the alert from Interpol and nabbed them the moment they arrived.

Thailand takes immigration and law enforcement seriously. If you have any outstanding legal issues – even something small from years ago – you could be flagged in their system. The Thai immigration database is linked to international agencies like Interpol, meaning if there’s a warrant or alert out for you, they’ll know before you even step off the plane.

From Death Penalty to 2 Years: An Impressive Legal Victory

At Thailand Bail, we’re proud to share one of our most remarkable successes: reducing a potential death penalty sentence for our client to just two years in prison. This achievement is particularly outstanding given the complexity of the case, which involved international suspects and victims from five different countries, and the high media attention it received.

Our client, Zwe Lin Pyae, was the primary defendant in the widely publicized murder case of Chu Chiang Shen. This case was followed closely by media outlets worldwide, and many similar cases ended with severe sentences such as life in prison or even the death penalty. That’s what makes this result so exceptional—our client, facing the most serious charges, walked away with a significantly reduced sentence.

How Did We Do It?

New Appointments in Thailand’s Legal Landscape: Supreme Court and Attorney General

Thailand’s legal system recently saw two significant appointments that could shape the judicial landscape in the years ahead.

Supreme Court’s New President
Chotiwat Luengprasert has been appointed as the new president of the Supreme Court. A highly experienced legal professional, Chotiwat brings years of judicial expertise, having previously served as the president of the Labour Case Division of the Supreme Court. His journey through various prominent positions, including the Court of Appeal and the Central Labour Court, has prepared him to lead the country’s highest court for the next year. He will succeed Piyakul Boonperm, marking a key transition in the leadership of Thailand’s judiciary.

Criminal Defense Lawyers in Thailand: A Comprehensive Guide for 2024

Criminal defense in Thailand can be a daunting process, especially for foreigners unfamiliar with the Thai legal system. Navigating this complex landscape requires a deep understanding of local laws, court procedures, and cultural nuances. At Thailand Bail, we specialize in providing expert legal representation to both Thai nationals and foreigners facing criminal charges. This article aims to shed light on the intricacies of criminal defense in Thailand and how our experienced legal team can assist you in achieving the best possible outcome.

Understanding the Thai Legal System

The Thai legal system is based on civil law, influenced by ancient Hindu and Buddhist traditions, as well as Western legal principles. The system is characterized by a formal and hierarchical structure, with the Constitutional Court at the apex, followed by the Supreme Court, the Courts of Appeal, and the Courts of First Instance. Criminal cases typically start in the Courts of First Instance, which include the Criminal Court, Provincial Courts, and District Courts.