Section 81 — Serving a witness summons
Statutory text (Thai original)
การส่งหมายเรียกพยานโดยคู่ความที่เกี่ยวข้องนั้นให้ปฏิบัติดังนี้
(๑) ให้ส่งในเวลากลางวันระหว่างพระอาทิตย์ขึ้นและพระอาทิตย์ตก และ
(๒) ให้ส่งแก่บุคคลซึ่งระบุไว้ในหมายเรียก ณ ภูมิลำเนาหรือสำนักทำการงานของบุคคลเช่นว่านั้น แต่ว่าให้อยู่ภายในบังคับบทบัญญัติแห่งมาตรา ๗๖ และ ๗๗
English translation
The service of a witness summons by the party concerned shall be carried out as follows: (1) it shall be served in the daytime, between sunrise and sunset; and (2) it shall be served on the person named in the summons at that person's domicile or place of business, subject however to the provisions of Sections 76 and 77.
This English translation is provided for reference only and has not yet been firm-verified — always rely on the Thai original.
Firm annotation
Section 81 sits in Title 4 on the filing and service of pleadings and documents and sets the manner in which a party serves a summons on a witness. It fixes two conditions: a daytime window between sunrise and sunset, and delivery to the named person at that person's domicile or place of business. The reference to Sections 76 and 77 keeps this special rule inside the Code's general framework for effecting and evidencing service, including substituted service and refusal to accept.
Why this matters in practice
If you are calling a witness, make sure the summons reaches the witness properly, in daylight and at a correct address, because defective service can delay a hearing or force it to be postponed. Getting this right matters most when a witness is reluctant to attend. If you are unsure how to arrange service or which address to use, it is worth reviewing what to know before you go to court in Thailand.
Frequently asked questions
When can a witness summons be served under Section 81?
It must be served in the daytime, between sunrise and sunset. Service outside that window does not meet the requirement of Section 81.
Where must a witness summons be delivered?
It must be delivered to the person named in the summons at that person's domicile or place of business, still subject to the general service rules in Sections 76 and 77.