Section 82 — Requesting help to execute a warrant
Statutory text (Thai original)
เจ้าพนักงานผู้จัดการตามหมายจับ จะขอความช่วยเหลือจากบุคคลใกล้เคียงเพื่อจัดการตามหมายนั้นก็ได้ แต่จะบังคับให้ผู้ใดช่วยโดยอาจเกิดอันตรายแก่เขานั้นไม่ได้
English translation
An officer executing an arrest warrant may request assistance from persons nearby in order to carry out that warrant, but may not compel any person to assist where doing so may cause danger to that person.
This English translation is provided for reference only and has not yet been firm-verified — always rely on the Thai original.
Firm annotation
Section 82 sits in Chapter 1 (Arrest, Detention and Imprisonment) and defines the limit of an executing officer's power to enlist civilian help when carrying out an arrest warrant. It permits a request for assistance from persons in the vicinity but draws a firm line at compulsion where the helper would be exposed to danger. The provision complements the officer's own arrest powers under sections 83 and 84 and reflects the Code's general concern that coercive process not endanger uninvolved members of the public.
Why this matters in practice
In practice this section matters when police recruit citizens to help detain a fleeing suspect: you are entitled to assist but cannot lawfully be forced into a dangerous confrontation. Anyone unsure of their rights or duties when police request help, or facing an arrest, should get advice quickly through an online consultation with a Thai lawyer.
Frequently asked questions
Can Thai police force me to help arrest someone?
Under Section 82, an officer executing an arrest warrant may ask you for help, but cannot compel you to assist if doing so would put you in danger.
Does Section 82 apply only to warrant arrests?
The text refers to an officer executing an arrest warrant, so it addresses the situation where the officer is acting under a warrant and seeks assistance from persons nearby.