Ce qu'il faut savoir avant de se présenter devant un tribunal en Thaïlande

Last updated on août 7, 2026

For what leads up to a hearing, see our overview of droit pénal en Thaïlande.

Devez-vous comparaître devant un tribunal en Thaïlande ? Si oui, ce texte peut vous être utile. Le système juridique thaïlandais est un mélange unique de coutumes traditionnelles thaïlandaises et de principes juridiques occidentaux. Afin d'éviter toute erreur, il est important de vous renseigner sur les points essentiels à connaître avant de vous présenter devant un tribunal en Thaïlande. Le système juridique thaïlandais est un système hybride de droit civil et de common law, conçu pour répondre aux besoins de sa société. En Thaïlande, même des actions aussi simples que croiser les jambes sont interdites.

Exemple de tribunal thaïlandais.

Système codifié

In Thailand, the legal system is based on written laws. These laws are carefully recorded and easy for the public to access. The Constitution is the foundation of our legal system. Acts and statutes are also important but come after it. This hierarchical structure ensures that all legal provisions are in harmony with the fundamental principles enshrined in the Constitution. The Thai legal system has three main levels. These are the Court of First Instance, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court (also known as the Dika Court). In addition to these main levels, there are specialized courts like Family Courts and Administrative Courts. These specialized courts handle specific types of legal issues. They offer a more detailed and targeted way to resolve legal matters in their specific areas of expertise. There are also specialized courts like Family Courts and Administrative Courts that handle specific types of legal issues. These courts offer a more detailed and targeted way to resolve legal matters in their specific areas of expertise.

La médiation et la conciliation sont prioritaires – c’est très important à savoir

Il est important de savoir que le système judiciaire thaïlandais privilégie la médiation et la conciliation, notamment dans les litiges civils. Les procédures judiciaires pouvant être longues, les modes alternatifs de règlement des différends sont souvent encouragés. Avant de saisir un tribunal en Thaïlande, sachez que les autorités s'efforceront de trouver un accord amiable. Elles privilégieront la médiation et aideront les deux parties à parvenir à un consensus, tout en préservant la dignité de chacune.

Les documents doivent être signés afin qu'un avocat thaïlandais puisse vous représenter.

Representation by a Thai lawyer in court requires signing a “lawyer’s appointment” document. You also need to provide copies of your identification. This formalizes the attorney-client relationship and authorizes the lawyer to act on the client’s behalf. Clients need to sign and date a blank power of attorney. They must also provide a copy of their passport. This is required by Thai law to allow legal representation. But this power of attorneys can also be used for other administrative tasks. Keeping the document blank lets the firm update or change the appointed attorney easily. This means no new signatures are needed if schedules or workloads change. For example, if another lawyer from our office needs to take over, it can be done smoothly. If the form is fully completed ahead of time, any changes would require new paperwork. This means clients would have to sign again, which can cause delays. This process is safe. Every attorney is registered with the Lawyers Council of Thailand. The power of attorney is only for legal representation. It cannot be used to withdraw funds from a bank account, conduct real estate transactions or serve any other purpose. By signing a blank power of attorney at the start, clients help us work better. This allows us to provide smooth service during their case.

Frais de justice

Des frais de justice peuvent s'appliquer. affaires civiles en Thaïlande. Poursuivre une action en dommages-intérêts entraîne des frais de justice, généralement de 21 à 30 000 bahts (21 000 à 30 000 bahts) sur le montant réclamé. Des exceptions existent pour les demandes mineures ou celles excédant 10 millions de bahts, pour lesquelles ce pourcentage peut varier. Il est important d'en tenir compte avant d'entamer une procédure judiciaire en Thaïlande. Outre les honoraires d'avocat, vous devrez également prévoir d'éventuels frais de justice.

Code vestimentaire : ce qu’il faut savoir avant de se présenter au tribunal en Thaïlande

Courtroom decorum in Thailand is taken very seriously. Appropriate attire is very important, which means you should avoid wearing flip-flops, shorts, sleeveless shirts, or casual clothing. Men are advised to wear long pants and a collared shirt, while women should dress modestly, avoiding short skirts, tight clothing, or sleeveless tops. This dress code shows respect for the court, which represents His Majesty the King. It requires a high level of respect and formality. It is not always necessary, but it is also good idea to follow the dress code when visiting government offices. Places such as Immigration or the Labour Department. Officials in these departments may interpret respectful attire as an indication of seriousness, professionalism, and courtesy. Dressing appropriately can significantly influence how smoothly interactions proceed and can often positively impact the outcome of your visit. Behavior within the courtroom and government offices should also reflect utmost respect and politeness. Disruptions, informalities, or casual postures, such as crossing your legs when seated, are prohibited in court settings. Furthermore, to protect privacy and maintain dignity, photography is strictly forbidden within court premises. Adhering to these guidelines demonstrates cultural awareness and respect, helping you avoid misunderstandings or potential accusations of contempt.

Les étrangers ont besoin d'interprètes

Les étrangers sont confrontés à des complexités supplémentaires au sein du système juridique thaïlandais. La réglementation des visas, les lois sur la propriété immobilière et les réglementations commerciales présentent des subtilités qui exigent une grande prudence et souvent le recours à une expertise juridique locale. Les étrangers ont également besoin d'interprètes devant les tribunaux. Parce que toutes les procédures se déroulent en thaï. Que faut-il savoir avant de se rendre au tribunal en Thaïlande ? Sachez que votre interprète peut faire toute la différence.

• Cour de justice en Thaïlande

Civil Litigation in Thailand: What the Process Looks Like

If a dispute cannot be settled, civil litigation is the route. Civil cases are governed principally by the Civil and Commercial Code, and they cover contractual disputes and breaches, property and landlord-tenant matters, tort claims such as personal injury and defamation, family matters including divorce, custody and inheritance disputes, and debt collection.

The Steps, in Order

• Pre-action notice. A formal notice is normally sent first, setting out the dispute and the action contemplated.
• Filing the complaint. If no settlement is reached, a complaint is filed with the court setting out the claims and the remedies sought.
• Defendant’s answer. The defendant has a set period, usually 15 days, to respond.
• Mediation. Thai courts actively push mediation before trial. This is not a formality: see the section above on why it matters.
• Trial. If mediation fails, both sides present evidence and argument before a judge. There is no jury.
• Judgment. The court may award money, or order a party to do or refrain from doing something.
• Appeal. Either party may appeal to a higher court.

Three Things That Decide Cases Early

Prescription. Thai law sets limitation periods for bringing an action. Miss the period and the claim is lost regardless of its merits, so the first question in any dispute is how long you have.

Jurisdiction. The right court depends on where the events happened, where the defendant lives, the nature and value of the claim, and whether you are suing a person, a company or a state body. Filing in the wrong court costs time you may not have.

Language. Proceedings are conducted in Thai. Documents in other languages need certified translation, and a foreign party needs an interpreter.

A lawyer’s value here is concentrated at the start: assessing whether the claim is worth bringing, getting the limitation period and the forum right, drafting the pleadings correctly, and negotiating at mediation before costs mount. If you need representation in a civil dispute, Contactez-nous.