Thread: Swiss man charged with lese majeste

Most Thais in the early part of the 20th Century were educated in France and I believe this is why the relationship exists.

I believe that Pridi Phanomyong (or Banomyong, depending on what spelling you use), founder of Thammasat University and drafter of the First Constitution, is regarded as being the father of Thai law and he graduated with a Doctorate of Laws from the University of Paris (aged 27, having gained his Bachelor of Laws at a mere 19!).

So I guess there's a big connection there too

Ok.. explains the "french connection" ..interesting.

actually, the life and times of Pridi are interesting. If I were ever to look at writing a biography, his would certainly interest me.

I thought a lot of the commercial and civil law was based on the german law system. Isn't the Thai law system older than the Pridi? Wasn't it introduced by Rama V?

Originally Posted by phunphin

Just think that thai guy down the road who hates your guts, can get you banged up for 20 years just by accusing you of breaking said law

There but for the grace of God go I and all farangs here.

Our position here seems comfortable on a day to day level but it can all go t1ts up at any time for any of us. Personal anecdote on the like of these forums is proof indeed.

Originally Posted by Fabian

I thought a lot of the commercial and civil law was based on the german law system. Isn't the Thai law system older than the Pridi? Wasn't it introduced by Rama V?

Fabian - to a degree you are correct. However, a lot of Thai law was riped up following the 1932 move to a consitutional monarchy, and here is where it become a little more complicated to say where exactly Thai law originates from. German scholars certainly had a massive influence, as did French.

To be honest, I think it would be difficult to say Thai law was really based on any system - bar the fact that it is a civil law (codified) system.

For example, the manner in which judges are apppointed and work in Thailand is almost a carbon-copy of the French system - i.e. law graduates elect at a young age (usualy shortly after graduation) whether they want to practice law or become judges.

Overriding all of this, is the question of whether or not there really is any such thing as a rule of law in Thailand! And on that topic, I've had many a late night "put the world to right" sessions

Originally Posted by William

Overriding all of this, is the question of whether or not there really is any such thing as a rule of law in Thailand! And on that topic, I've had many a late night "put the world to right" sessions

The rule of law seems to be applied to the poor folks who cannot really defend themselves, or pay the required bribe. The rich get away with buying the judges etc. The police are corrupt to the core, having begun as r*y*l tax-collectors.

But, sometimes, with a decent local contact, some amazingly fair stuff can happen - but this comes from a decent person, rather than the system.

I'd love to hear what a lawyer really thinks of the Thai 'legal' system. Why is there no rule of law in this place? What is the underlying reason?

^if you listen to some of my friends, the reason why there is no rule of law in Thailand is because the law in Thailand is evolving

To be honest, I have my good days and my bad days... But then again, I did grow up in a country where there was no pretence at all, there was no rule of law

Originally Posted by William

For example, the manner in which judges are apppointed and work in Thailand is almost a carbon-copy of the French system - i.e. law graduates elect at a young age (usualy shortly after graduation) whether they want to practice law or become judges.

The german system is exactly the same but I think they have modelled it after the french system.