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    Educational Information Only

    The content on this page is for general educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Every legal situation is unique. For matters involving investigation, arrest, litigation, or formal proceedings, consult a qualified legal professional.

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    Military Court

    Central Military Court

    The Central Military Court (ศาลทหารกรุงเทพ) is the principal military court for Bangkok and the courts-martial of central Thailand under the Military Court Act B.E. 2498 (1955). It tries military personnel for offences under the Military Code, and — during periods of martial law or under specific NCPO/military-government orders — has on occasion had jurisdiction over civilians for narrow categories of offence (lèse-majesté, weapons offences, internal-security offences). Civilian jurisdiction over civilians has largely been returned to the civilian courts since 2019.

    ศาลทหารกรุงเทพ

    Address

    Ministry of Defence Compound, Sanam Chai Road, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200

    Phone

    +66 2 222 4133

    Jurisdiction

    Military criminal offences and (under narrow circumstances) certain offences committed by civilians under the Military Court Act B.E. 2498 (1955)

    Cases Handled

    Military criminal offences under the Military Code
    Discipline and command-responsibility cases
    Weapons and explosives offences by serving military personnel
    Civilian cases under historic NCPO-era jurisdictional orders (largely returned to civilian courts since 2019)
    Appeals from lower military courts (จังหวัด ศาลทหาร) within the central region

    Important Notes

    Civilians charged before a military court should immediately seek qualified counsel — procedural rights and rights of appeal differ materially from civilian-court process

    Limited public observation; some hearings closed under the Military Court Act

    Defence counsel must be registered with the Lawyers Council of Thailand AND admitted for military-court practice

    International observers (ICJ, ICRC, embassies) have followed civilian-jurisdiction cases historically

    Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (case-by-case)

    Professional Legal Assistance

    When a matter involves investigation, arrest, detention, litigation, or regulatory action, professional legal representation becomes essential.

    Anglo Siam Legal provides experienced legal services across Thailand for both Thai nationals and foreigners.

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