Article 177 — Power to Order a Trial in Camera
Texte légal (original thaï)
ศาลมีอำนาจสั่งให้พิจารณาเป็นการลับ เมื่อเห็นสมควรโดยพลการหรือโดยคำร้องขอของคู่ความฝ่ายใด แต่ต้องเพื่อประโยชน์แห่งความสงบเรียบร้อยหรือศีลธรรมอันดีของประชาชน หรือเพื่อป้องกันความลับอันเกี่ยวกับความปลอดภัยของประเทศมิให้ล่วงรู้ถึงประชาชน
traduction anglaise
The court has the power to order a trial to be held in camera when it thinks fit, on its own motion or on the application of any party, but only for the benefit of public order or the good morals of the people, or in order to prevent secrets concerning the security of the country from becoming known to the public.
Cette traduction anglaise est fournie à titre indicatif uniquement et n'a pas encore été vérifiée de manière définitive ; référez-vous toujours à l'original thaï.
Annotation de l'entreprise
Section 177 is the exception to the open-court principle that otherwise governs criminal trials under this Code. It confines closed proceedings to three defined grounds: public order, good morals, and protecting national security secrets from the public. The power may be exercised by the court itself or on a party's application, but the limited grounds prevent it from being used simply for convenience or privacy. It reads together with Section 178, which lists exactly who may remain in the courtroom once a trial is closed.
Pourquoi cela est important en pratique
If a case involves sensitive testimony, such as sexual offences or matters touching national security, either party can ask the court to close the trial, but the request must fit one of the three statutory grounds. A closed trial limits who may be present, so parties should plan in advance which support persons or observers they need admitted under Section 178. This is a point worth raising early with your lawyer when preparing a sensitive criminal matter.
Foire aux questions
When can a Thai criminal trial be closed to the public?
Under Section 177, only on three grounds: to protect public order, good morals, or national security secrets. The court can order this on its own motion or at a party's request.
Can a party ask for a closed trial?
Yes. Section 177 allows either party to apply for a trial in camera, but the application must fall within one of the three permitted grounds for the court to grant it.