Section 96 — Deaf or mute witnesses
Statutory text (Thai original)
พยานที่เป็นคนหูหนวก หรือเป็นใบ้หรือทั้งหูหนวกและเป็นใบ้นั้น อาจถูกถามหรือให้คำตอบโดยวิธีเขียนหนังสือ หรือโดยวิธีอื่นใดที่สมควรได้ และคำเบิกความของบุคคลนั้น ๆ ให้ถือว่าเป็นคำพยานบุคคลตามประมวลกฎหมายนี้
English translation
A witness who is deaf, or mute, or both deaf and mute may be questioned or may give answers by means of writing or by any other suitable means, and the testimony of such person shall be deemed the testimony of an oral witness under this Code.
This English translation is provided for reference only and has not yet been firm-verified — always rely on the Thai original.
Firm annotation
Section 96 ensures that a disability of hearing or speech does not disqualify a witness. It authorizes flexible means of examination, writing or any other suitable method such as sign interpretation, and provides that the resulting testimony has the same status as ordinary oral evidence. The section complements the competency test in Section 95, which turns on the ability to understand and answer and on direct knowledge, by confirming that the manner of communicating answers may be adapted to the witness. It applies in civil proceedings and, through the Code of Criminal Procedure's cross-reference, in criminal cases as well.
Why this matters in practice
If your witness is deaf or mute, tell the court in advance so a suitable method, such as written questions or a qualified sign interpreter, can be arranged and the testimony recorded properly. Do not assume such a witness cannot testify, Section 96 puts their evidence on the same footing as any other witness once the method of communication is arranged. For related help with communication in court, see our note on courtroom interpreters.
Supreme Court decisions interpreting this section
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Supreme Court Judgment No. 81/2531 (1988)
The testimony of a witness who is deaf and mute is deemed the testimony of an oral witness, and the questioning or answering may be done by writing or by any other suitable means under Section 96.
The Supreme Court confirmed that under Section 96 the account of a deaf and mute eyewitness is treated as competent oral witness testimony, with questioning conducted by writing or other suitable means.
Curated decisions with case numbers verified against the Supreme Court database. English renderings are the firm's editorial translation for study.
Frequently asked questions
Can a deaf or mute person be a witness in court?
Yes. Section 96 allows a deaf or mute witness to be questioned and answer by writing or other suitable means, and the testimony counts as ordinary oral evidence.
How is such a witness examined?
By writing or any other suitable method, for example through a sign interpreter, arranged so the questions and answers can be recorded properly.