Section 204 — Notice and Timing of Open Hearing
Statutory text (Thai original)
เมื่อจะพิจารณาในศาลโดยเปิดเผย ให้ศาลอุทธรณ์ออกหมายนัดกำหนดวันพิจารณาไปยังคู่ความให้ทราบล่วงหน้าอย่างน้อยไม่ต่ำกว่าห้าวันการฟังคำแถลงการณ์นั้นห้ามมิให้กำหนดช้ากว่าสิบห้าวันนับแต่วันวันรับสำนวน ถ้ามีเหตุพิเศษจะช้ากว่านั้นก็ได้ แต่อย่าให้เกินสองเดือน เหตุที่ต้องช้าให้ศาลรายงานไว้
English translation
When a case is to be heard in open court, the Court of Appeal shall issue a notice fixing the hearing date to the parties, informing them in advance by not less than five days. The hearing of statements shall not be fixed later than fifteen days from the date the case file is received. If there is a special reason it may be later than that, but not exceeding two months; the reason for the delay shall be recorded by the court.
This English translation is provided for reference only and has not yet been firm-verified — always rely on the Thai original.
Firm annotation
Section 204 supplies the notice and scheduling rules for the open hearings allowed under Section 203. It guarantees the parties a minimum of five days' advance notice of the hearing date and imposes a default outer limit on how long the hearing of statements may be delayed: fifteen days from receipt of the file, extendable only for a special reason to a maximum of two months, with the reason for any delay recorded on the file. The provision reflects the appellate system's aim of resolving appeals promptly while still giving the parties a fair chance to prepare and attend.
Why this matters in practice
If your appeal is set for an open hearing, expect at least five days' written notice of the date, so keep a current service address on file and respond promptly to any notice. These timing rules are largely internal guides for the court, and a delay does not by itself invalidate the proceedings, so do not count on missed deadlines to help your case. If you have been notified of an appellate hearing and are unsure how to prepare, an online consultation with a Thai lawyer can clarify what to expect.
Frequently asked questions
How much notice does the Court of Appeal give before an open hearing?
Under Section 204, the Court of Appeal must notify the parties of the hearing date at least five days in advance.
How soon must the hearing of statements take place?
Normally within fifteen days of the court receiving the file. With a special reason it may be later, but not more than two months, and the court must record the reason for the delay.