Section 53 — Required contents of a summons
Statutory text (Thai original)
หมายเรียกต้องทำเป็นหนังสือและมีข้อความดังต่อไปนี้
(๑) สถานที่ที่ออกหมาย
(๒) วันเดือนปีที่ออกหมาย
(๓) ชื่อและตำบลที่อยู่ของบุคคลที่ออกหมายเรียกให้มา
(๔) เหตุที่ต้องเรียกผู้นั้นมา
(๕) สถานที่ วันเดือนปีและเวลาที่จะให้ผู้นั้นไปถึง
(๖) ลายมือชื่อและประทับตราของศาล หรือลายมือชื่อและตำแหน่งเจ้าพนักงานผู้ออกหมาย
English translation
A summons must be made in writing and contain the following particulars: (1) the place where the summons is issued; (2) the date of issue of the summons; (3) the name and place of residence of the person summoned to appear; (4) the reason for requiring that person to appear; (5) the place, date and time at which that person is to arrive; (6) the signature and seal of the court, or the signature and position of the official issuing the summons.
This English translation is provided for reference only and has not yet been firm-verified — always rely on the Thai original.
Firm annotation
Section 53 sets out the mandatory form of a summons. It must be in writing and contain six particulars: the place and date of issue, the name and residence of the person summoned, the reason for requiring attendance, the place, date and time to appear, and the authenticating signature, being the signature and seal of the court or the signature and position of the issuing official. These requirements give the recipient clear notice of who wants them, why, and where and when to go, and mark the summons as a genuine official instrument. The section works together with section 52, which sets who may issue a summons and when one is needed, and section 54, which governs how the appearance date and time are fixed.
Why this matters in practice
When you receive a summons, check that it actually contains these six particulars, especially who is summoning you, the stated reason, and the exact place, date and time to appear, along with a proper signature and, for a court summons, a seal. A document missing these basics may not be a valid summons. Do not, however, use a technicality as a reason to ignore a genuine one; the safer course is to attend and raise any defect properly. If a summons is unclear or you doubt its validity, confirm the position, ideally through a consultation with a Thai lawyer, before the appearance date.
Frequently asked questions
What must a valid summons contain?
Under Section 53 a summons must be in writing and state the place and date of issue, the name and residence of the person summoned, the reason to appear, the place, date and time to appear, and the signature and seal of the court or the signature and position of the issuing official.
Must a summons be in writing?
Yes. Section 53 requires a summons to be made in writing and to include all six prescribed particulars.