Thailand Bail is dedicated to providing loads of free advice and information for people who have questions about the Thai legal system. During this unprecedented time of coronavirus or COVID-19, our lawyers and staff have provided constant updates on the situation and how it affects the courts and prisons. We updated everyone in May 2020 here: http://www.thailandbail.com/thailand-bail-covid-19-update-may-2020/ and April 2020 here: http://www.thailandbail.com/thailand-bail-covid-19-update-april-2020/ so we wanted to continue providing updates as the COVID-19 situation changes in July 2020. Please see below our update on COVID-19 in Thailand and

how the virus has affected the courts and prisons in Bangkok, Koh Samui, Phuket, Chonburi, and the rest of Thailand. 

As of the date of writing this article (04 July 2020), the situation has improved across Thailand. The courts are back on a normal schedule and are also starting on-time. We have actually noticed 09:00am court appointments starting exactly at 09:00am in Bangkok especially. In the provinces where we have had cases since our last update, the appointments are starting on a slightly-delayed schedule, which is different than the pre-COVID days of having a 09:00am appointment start at 10:00am. The courts’ schedules are back on track also, with old cases being caught up in June and into July. We are also seeing judges accelerating trials. We have had trials where the judges presiding were encouraging both sides (prosecution and defense) to keep witness testimony brief. If you have a trial coming up in July 2020, it will be important to recognize this. 

The prisons across the country are also open for family visitation, but there is a registration process that needs to happen in order to visit family, in most situations. As before, each prison is making up its own rules for visitation, so it is best to contact each individual prison before planning a visit. We have received reports that the Bam Bat (Drug Prison at Klong Prem) Prison is requiring original embassy letters for embassy-sponsored visits, and instead of the usual 5 visits per month, only allowing 1 visit. However, this is also a case-by-case situation that will need to be monitored further. 

If you need to attend a Thai court or a Thai prison in July 2020, contact Thailand Bail for more information.