Thailand’s first tourist court opens in Pattaya
(VOV) - Thailand’s first tourist court opened in the popular beach resort of Pattaya on 5 September 2013, as part of a move to reassure travelers of their safety while visiting the country.
Foreign visitors who become the victim of any unfair practices such as scams or cheating, or who fall victim to theft, conflicts, or accidents, can now avail themselves of a fast-track legal process following the establishment of the first Tourist Protections Section, simply dubbed the “Tourist Court.” The initiative is designed to facilitate the swift resolution of cases for tourists who have a limited time in Thailand. It will also serve the requirements of foreign visitors needing to get an accurate, fast, and efficient judicial process under Thai law.
 |
Mr. Wirat Chinwinigkul, Secretary-General of Office of the Judiciary, said, “At present, there are over 20 million tourists visiting Thailand each year, showing a continuous upward trend. The number of domestic tourists is also increasing. This has resulted in the tourism industry becoming a major source of income for the country. In order to increase the tourists’ confidence in their personal safety, as well as in the safety of products and services, it is necessary to provide them with an efficient system for their protection.”
From 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm, foreign visitors may file civil and criminal complaints at this specialized court, so the cases would be tried faster that in an ordinary court; hence it is possible that a verdict could be delivered before the plaintiffs leave the country.
Consideration of cases will be cut to one day for uncomplicated disputes, rather than the usual six months, while consideration of felony cases could be shortened to weeks instead of months.
With officials capable of speaking foreign languages to help out, the specialized court would encourage negotiations between parties – mostly in cases about consumer protection – whilst the more serious issues would be transferred to the regular court.
Six more tourist courts will open later at popular tourist destinations across the country.
For further details, please contact the Pattaya Provincial Court, Thappraya Road, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi Province, tel.: +66 38 252130-2, and fax: +66 38 252134.