Section 128 — Court inspection of persons or property
Statutory text (Thai original)
ถ้าพยานหลักฐานที่ศาลจะทำการตรวจนั้นเป็นบุคคลหรือสังหาริมทรัพย์ซึ่งอาจนำมาศาลได้ ให้คู่ความฝ่ายที่ได้รับอนุญาตให้นำสืบพยานหลักฐานเช่นว่านั้นนำบุคคลหรือทรัพย์นั้นมาในวันสืบพยาน หรือวันอื่นใดที่ศาลจะได้กำหนดให้นำมา ถ้าการตรวจไม่สามารถกระทำได้ในศาล ให้ศาลทำการตรวจสถานที่ เวลา และภายในเงื่อนไข ตามที่ศาลจะเห็นสมควรแล้วแต่สภาพแห่งการตรวจนั้น ๆ
English translation
If the evidence the court is to inspect is a person or movable property that can be brought to the court, the party permitted to prove such evidence shall bring that person or property on the day of taking evidence, or on any other day the court fixes for bringing it. If the inspection cannot be carried out in the court, the court shall carry out the inspection at such place, time, and under such conditions as it considers appropriate according to the nature of the inspection.
This English translation is provided for reference only and has not yet been firm-verified — always rely on the Thai original.
Firm annotation
Section 128 opens Chapter 4 on inspection and court-appointed experts, dealing with real and demonstrative evidence rather than documents. It requires the party permitted to prove by inspection to bring the person or movable property to court on the hearing day or another fixed day. Where the subject cannot practicably be inspected in the courtroom, for example fixed property, bulky items, or a location, the court may conduct the inspection elsewhere at a place, time, and conditions suited to its nature, which underpins the practice of judicial site visits. The section complements Section 129 on appointing experts and Section 128/1 on scientific examination.
Why this matters in practice
If your proof depends on the court seeing an object or a person, arrange in advance to have it available on the hearing day, because failing to present it can weaken your case. Where the evidence is land, a building, or a scene, ask the court for a site inspection under Section 128 and prepare access, safety, and any measurements the court may want to record. Site inspections can be decisive, so it helps to have a lawyer frame what the court should look at.
Frequently asked questions
Who brings an object to court for inspection?
Under Section 128, the party permitted to prove by inspection must bring the person or movable property on the hearing day or another day the court fixes.
Can the court inspect land or a building?
Yes. If the evidence cannot be inspected in the courtroom, Section 128 allows the court to inspect at the place, time, and conditions suited to its nature, such as a site visit.