Section 115 — Right to decline to testify
Statutory text (Thai original)
พระมหากษัตริย์ พระราชินี พระรัชทายาท ผู้สำเร็จราชการแทนพระองค์ หรือพระภิกษุและสามเณรในพุทธศาสนา แม้มาเป็นพยานจะไม่ยอมเบิกความหรือตอบคำถามใด ๆ ก็ได้ สำหรับบุคคลที่ได้รับเอกสิทธิ์หรือความคุ้มกันตามกฎหมายจะไม่ยอมเบิกความหรือตอบคำถามใด ๆ ภายใต้เงื่อนไขที่กำหนดไว้ตามกฎหมายนั้น ๆ ก็ได้
English translation
The King, the Queen, the Heir Apparent, the Regent, or Buddhist monks and novices, even when appearing as witnesses, may decline to give testimony or to answer any question. As for a person who enjoys a privilege or immunity under the law, that person may decline to give testimony or to answer any question under the conditions provided by that law.
This English translation is provided for reference only and has not yet been firm-verified — always rely on the Thai original.
Firm annotation
Section 115 grants a personal privilege to decline to testify to two groups. The first, comprising the monarchy, the Regent, and the Buddhist clergy, may refuse entirely, reflecting the same respect that exempts them from the oath under Section 112. The second covers persons who hold a privilege or immunity under some other law, such as diplomats, whose right to refuse is bounded by the conditions of that governing law rather than being unlimited. The provision is thus a rule of testimonial privilege rather than of competence, and it sits alongside the oath exemptions in Section 112 within Chapter 2 on the attendance and examination of witnesses.
Why this matters in practice
If you are relying on evidence from someone who may hold a privilege or immunity, plan for the possibility that they can lawfully decline to answer, and do not build your case on their testimony alone. For diplomatic or similar immunities the scope of the refusal depends on the specific law involved, so the terms of that law need to be checked in advance. Where a key witness may fall within Section 115, it is worth taking early advice so you can secure alternative evidence rather than being caught short at the hearing.
Frequently asked questions
Can a witness refuse to answer questions in a Thai civil case?
Only in limited cases. Section 115 lets the monarchy, the Regent, and Buddhist monks and novices decline to testify or answer, and lets a person with a legal privilege or immunity decline within the conditions of that law.
Do diplomats have to testify in a Thai court?
Section 115 recognises that a person holding a privilege or immunity under the law may decline to testify, but only within the conditions that the governing law imposes, so the exact scope depends on that specific law.