Article 244 — Exhumation and Examination of a Corpse
Texte légal (original thaï)
ถ้าศาลหรือพนักงานฝ่ายปกครองหรือตำรวจชั้นผู้ใหญ่เห็นจำเป็นเนื่องในการไต่สวนมูลฟ้อง พิจารณา หรือสอบสวน ที่จะต้องตรวจศพ แม้ว่าจะได้บรรจุหรือฝังแล้วก็ตามให้มีอำนาจสั่งให้เอาศพนั้นให้ผู้เชี่ยวชาญตรวจได้ แต่การกระทำตามคำสั่งดังกล่าวจะต้องคำนึงถึงหลักทางศาสนาและไม่ก่อให้เกิดอันตรายร้ายแรงอย่างอื่น
traduction anglaise
If the court, or the administrative or senior police official, considers it necessary, in connection with the preliminary hearing, the trial, or the investigation, to examine a corpse, even one already coffined or buried, it shall have power to order that corpse to be given to an expert for examination. But in carrying out such an order, regard must be had to religious principles, and it must not cause other serious harm.
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 244 gives investigative and judicial authorities the power to order the examination of a corpse, including exhumation of a buried or coffined body, within Book 5, Chapter 5 on special experts. The power lies with the court or a senior administrative or police official, and is available for the investigation, preliminary hearing, or trial where an expert examination of the body may assist. The provision expressly conditions its exercise on respect for religious principles and the avoidance of other serious harm, reflecting sensitivity to funerary customs. It complements the medical-examination and expert-evidence rules in this Chapter and the forensic-examination powers in Sections 244/1 and related provisions.
Pourquoi cela est important en pratique
In suspicious-death or homicide cases, this power can be decisive: a body already buried can lawfully be exhumed for expert examination when the court or a senior official finds it necessary. For families, the safeguard is that the law requires respect for religious practices and that no other serious harm be caused. If you are a bereaved relative or a suspect facing forensic evidence from an exhumation, understanding your position early matters; consider a consultation with a Thai lawyer.
Foire aux questions
Can a buried body be exhumed for examination in Thailand?
Yes. Under Section 244, the court or a senior administrative or police official may order a corpse, even one already coffined or buried, to be examined by an expert where necessary for an investigation, preliminary hearing, or trial.
Are there limits on examining a corpse under Section 244?
Yes. The examination must have regard to religious principles and must not cause other serious harm, protecting the dignity of the deceased and the family's beliefs.