Section 54 — Fixing the appearance date and time
Statutory text (Thai original)
ในการกำหนดวันและเวลาที่จะให้มาตามหมายเรียกนั้น ให้พึงระลึกถึงระยะทางใกล้ไกล เพื่อให้ผู้ถูกเรียกมีโอกาสมาถึงตามวันเวลากำหนดในหมาย
English translation
In fixing the date and time for a person to appear under a summons, regard shall be had to the distance to be travelled, so that the person summoned has a fair opportunity to arrive by the date and time fixed in 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 54 is a fairness safeguard tied to the timing element of a summons. When the court or official fixes the date and time for appearance, they must allow for how far the person has to travel, so the deadline is realistic rather than impossible. It complements section 53(5), which requires the summons to state the place, date and time to appear, by regulating how that time is chosen. The purpose is to ensure that a person summoned is not treated as having failed to comply simply because the appointed time left no reasonable opportunity to get there.
Why this matters in practice
If a summons gives you a date and time that is unrealistic given how far you must travel, that is relevant: the issuer is required to take distance into account. Rather than simply failing to appear, the better course is to raise the timing problem promptly with the issuing court or official and, where possible, seek a reasonable adjustment or explain your position. Keep proof of the difficulty. If you are far from the issuing office or abroad and worried about meeting a summons deadline, a consultation with a Thai lawyer can help you respond properly rather than risk being treated as non-compliant.
Frequently asked questions
Must a summons allow enough time to travel?
Yes. Section 54 requires the date and time for appearance to be fixed with regard to the distance to be travelled, so the person summoned has a fair chance to arrive on time.
What if the appearance time is impossible given the distance?
Because Section 54 requires distance to be considered, an unrealistic time is a problem you should raise promptly with the issuing court or official rather than simply not appearing.