Last year in March 2019, we wrote about 3 things you must do if you get arrested in Thailand. Click here to read that article: http://www.thailandbail.com/the-3-things-you-must-do-if-you-get-arrested-in-thailand/  For this updated article in June 2020, we are focusing on the 5 important people related to your arrest in Thailand. Whether it is in Bangkok, Pattaya, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Phuket, Udon Thani, or anywhere else in Thailand, there are always 5 important people who can greatly impact your case in the first 48 hours – the most critical time in your case. Of course, if you do get arrested in Thailand, the very first thing

you should do is to contact Thailand Bail or other competent legal expert in Thailand to assist. If you are interested in knowing more about what to do when you get arrested in Thailand, and the 5 most important people related to your arrest, keep reading below. 

A Lawyer with Experience in Criminal Cases

The most important person you need in your corner is a lawyer with experience in criminal cases. Thailand Bail focuses only on criminal cases and related legal matters in Thailand. Whilst other law firms in Thailand claim to be able to do everything, they do nothing with expertise. Many people make the mistake of trusting the Thai police who arrested them, or the police officer investigating them. You will note that these people are important to your case when you get arrested in Thailand, but they are not on your side. If you get arrested in Thailand, contact Thailand Bail for immediate advice on what to do at the police station. 

Police (Arresting Officers)

The police who come knock on your door or arrest you on the side of the road are the arresting officers. Their job is to detain you, show you any arrest warrant or search warrant, and then take you to the police station for further detention and questioning. However, the arresting officers will sometimes take you to a “safe house” in Thailand. You do not want to be in a safe house in Thailand, as it typically is the opposite of safe. When you are with the arresting officers, you may need to convince them to let you contact a lawyer. Yes, it is your right to be able to do so, but this is not always followed. Sometimes a legal matter can be resolved with the arresting officers, but you need a lawyer there to negotiate on your behalf and find a solution. We have heard many stories of people losing a lot of money when they are arrested – money that does not benefit their case. 

Police (Investigating Officer)

The investigating officer is much more important than the arresting officers, and he or she will likely be of a higher rank than the arresting officers. This is the person who you sit across from at the police station while they type the report, print it, and then have you sign it. No, the investigating officer will not translate the document for you. Whilst you have the right to an attorney and an interpreter, the police will sometimes have someone sign for these capacities, when in fact you have not understood anything that happened. Even if you have not been able to contact Thailand Bail during the arrest stage, you almost certainly can contact us when you are with the investigator. We also have licensed interpreters / translators for English language, Thai language, Russian language, Portuguese language, and other languages as well. 

If you got arrested in Thailand and need a lawyer and translator with you at the police station, contact Thailand Bail. 

Family and Friends

Whilst you need a good lawyer and must deal with the Thai police, none of these people will pay for your bail, so it is important to contact your family or friends so they can coordinate things on your behalf. Many people are surprised that they can use their phones in the police stations when they are arrested – this is so that you can have time (up to 48 hours) to contact a lawyer and your friends and family. You need to raise money for bail as soon as possible. Bail is also possible at the police station, if guaranteed by a credible law company in Thailand, like Thailand Bail. Get in touch with your family and friends so that when you get sent to court, and you cannot use a phone again, you will have someone on the outside assisting. 

Bail Guarantor 

Once you have the money for bail, you will need a bail guarantor. Your bail guarantor will be different depending on which court your case is sent to. For example, some courts in Thailand require the bail guarantor to be a registered Thai lawyer, who is also the head of the household on the house registration document. Other courts have less strict policies, but you will need to find someone to be your bail guarantor. Thailand Bail typically will act as your bail guarantor as part of our service, but we can also arrange for direct family (if Thai) to be your bail guarantor if you prefer. 

Getting Arrested in Thailand 

If you get arrested in Thailand, you will need a good lawyer to help you navigate through the maze that is the Thai police. They can be very helpful when they are approached by capable lawyers, and Thailand Bail is very experienced in dealing with the Thai police. Should you have any questions about getting arrested in Thailand, please contact Thailand Bail via phone, email, Line, WhatsApp, Skype, or other method on our contact page here: www.thailandbail.com/contact