Journal of Thai Justice System

Data for Justice: Potentials and Challenges in Using State Records for Human Trafficking Research in Thailand

Phirapat Mangkhalasiri, Seksan Khruakham, Narin Phetthong — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Human trafficking remains one of the most complex and structurally embedded forms of crime. In Thailand, efforts to address trafficking have often focused on legal reforms, inter-agency collaborations, and international cooperation. However, academic research on human trafficking in the Thai context continues to rely primarily on secondary sources such as NGO reports and victim interviews, while state-generated data - particularly from law enforcement agencies - remains underutilized. This article examines the potential and challenges of using state-held data, including police case files, investigative reports, and court documents, as empirical sources for trafficking research.

The paper argues that such data can provide invaluable insight into the structural and procedural dynamics of trafficking cases, including patterns of exploitation, offender-victim interactions, and state responses. Drawing on domestic and international case studies, the article demonstrates how law enforcement records can inform more nuanced understandings of complex realities, challenge reductionist victim narratives, and expose institutional biases and systemic shortcomings. At the same time, it critically assesses the ethical, legal, and institutional risks of using sensitive data, particularly in cases involving minors or undocumented migrants.

Based on this analysis, the article offers practical guidelines and policy recommendations for fostering collaborative research frameworks between academics and state agencies in Thailand. These include promoting data ethics grounded in human dignity, ensuring academic independence, and establishing structured agreements to govern access and use of sensitive information. Ultimately, the article contends that using law enforcement data responsibly and ethically is not only a technical matter, but also a normative choice that can help bridge micro-level case findings with macro-level policy design. Such an approach holds significant potential to advance evidence-based policymaking that is context-sensitive, human rights-oriented, and systemically informed.

Prevention To Call Center Fraud Victimization

Sirilak Muangnil, Suppakorn Poonyarith, Sunee Kanyajit — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This qualitative research aims to examine the daily life behaviors that increase the risk of falling victim to call center fraud, as well as the psychological, health, economic, and familial impacts on victims in Thailand, and propose preventive measures to mitigate the risk of victimization by call center fraud within the Thai context. The research tool used in this study was in-depth interviews with 21 key informants, including call center fraud victims, Facebook page administrators, investigators from the Technology Crime Suppression Division, and the Information Technology Crime Suppression Center of the Royal Thai Police. Data was analyzed through descriptive and content analysis.

The research results indicated that engaging in life-threatening daily life behaviors considerably increased the probability of becoming a victim of call center fraud. Victims endure multifaceted repercussions because of their victimization. As a result, the study recommends preventive strategies and responsive measures to address different strategies utilized by call center fraud schemes.

This study indicates that the elements contributing to victimization arise from life-threatening daily activities, resulting in a complicated combination of effects on victims’ lives. These conclusions facilitate a greater awareness among the public regarding adopting more secure daily practices in an era where personal and other sensitive information is easily accessible online.

Legal Issues in the Adjudication of Local Election Cases

Sanyalux Panwattanalikit — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The 2017 Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand provides for the courts to provide a balance by examining the legitimacy of the Election Commission’s exercise of power, which allows the consideration of election cases to proceed in line with political events. However, to truly achieve legitimacy, it should not only consider granting power to independent organizations and giving importance to the trial process in the hope of punishing them. On the contrary, the rights of individuals accused of violating election laws must also be taken into account.

This article aims to study that even though the law granting judicial power to the Election Commission aims to make consideration and adjudication of election cases faster and more timely, the provision of such power cannot be reviewed because the result of the decision is final. This includes the consideration and judgment of the case by the court of justice, where the law stipulates that the decision is final for a single court, making it impossible to review the judgment according to the principle of two courts. Therefore, the power to adjudicate election cases should be specified to belong to the court of justice (the election court) and the judgment can be reviewed as well.

The admissibility of evidence gathered from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in police interrogation

Neti Srisakul, Nattawut Pewbuacom — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The investigating officers have the authority to inspect locations that may serve as evidence, take photographs, and create crime scene maps, which could help clarify the case. However, photographs alone may not provide the court with a clear understanding of the distance or direction in which they were taken, nor the relationship between different pieces of physical evidence at the scene.
This study on the use of drones in police investigations examines the legal challenges surrounding the admissibility of evidence obtained through drone technology in police investigations in Thailand. It also proposes guidelines for the use of drones to gather admissible and valuable evidence. The research was conducted through a developmental approach, with a targeted group of ten participants, including experts in drone technology, legal professionals such as judges, prosecutors, and law professors, as well as investigators and evidence collectors from the Royal Thai Police, the Department of Special Investigation, and forensic officers.
The study found that police investigators should utilize drones to capture aerial images of crime scenes, providing an overall view and illustrating the relationship between different pieces of evidence. This should be done alongside ground-level photography of the evidence to be included in the investigation report. Drones can help simplify and ensure accuracy in creating crime scene maps. When taken in accordance with relevant legal procedures, drone images of crime scenes can be considered as admissible physical evidence. If the images are clear and can demonstrate facts relevant to the case, they would hold significant probative value.
The recommendation is that the Royal Thai Police should issue regulations governing the use of drone technology, ensuring that all investigators follow a standardized procedure. This would enhance professionalism, protect the integrity of officers performing their duties, and build public trust and confidence.

An Application of the Threefold Training to Rehabilitation of the Behavior of Drug Offenders in Songkhla Provincial Prison

Tawatchai Musika , Vachiravitch Ittithanasuphavitch — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This article aims to study the application of the Threefold Training in rehabilitating the behavior of drug offenders in Songkhla Provincial Prison and to compare its application based on variables such as age, educational level, occupation prior to incarceration, income before incarceration, marital status, duration of imprisonment, and frequency of participation in religious activities. This quantitative research collected data from a sample group of 316 drug offenders using a questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics-frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation and inferential statistics including t-test and ANOVA. The findings revealed that:

The overall application of the Threefold Training for the rehabilitation of drug offenders in Songkhla Provincial Prison was at a high level. When ranked by individual aspects, the highest mean was in wisdom (paññā), followed by morality (sīla), while concentration (samādhi) had the lowest mean.
A comparison of the application of the Threefold Training showed that educational level, occupation prior to incarceration, income before incarceration, duration of imprisonment, and frequency of participation in religious activities had a statistically significant influence on the application of the Threefold Training at the 0.05 level. However, age and marital status did not result in significant differences.

Policy Proposal for the Administration of Rehabilitation Programs for of Rehabilitation Programs for Drug Offenders in PrisonsDrug Offenders in Prisons

areelak sintoppant, Navapat Narongsak — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study aims to examine the challenges, obstacles, and successes of vocational training and rehabilitation programs for drug-related inmates under the Department of Corrections, and to propose policy recommendations for enhancing program effectiveness. The ultimate goals are to improve inmates’ employment opportunities and reduce recidivism. A qualitative research methodology was employed, including document analysis, non-participant observation, and in-depth interviews. The findings indicate that drug-related legislation significantly affects inmate populations. Effective rehabilitation requires clear legal penalties, consistent and fair enforcement, and strong support from correctional officers. Additionally, rehabilitation should precede vocational training to foster self-awareness and behavioral change among inmates. Vocational training should be aligned with labor market demands, particularly in inmates’ local communities, to enhance post-release employment prospects. To improve rehabilitation outcomes, it is essential to provide staff training or recruit specialized professionals. Programs should emphasize sustainable skill development and income-generating opportunities to reduce recidivism. Furthermore, the successful reintegration of ex-convicts requires support from families, communities, and society to minimize the risk of future drug-related offenses.

The Thai government's justice policy from the change of government until 2023

Pichate Pinthong — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This research article aims to analyze the Thai government's justice system policy from the transition from absolute monarchy in 1932 through 2023, covering a total of 63 governments. Using qualitative research methods, including documentary research and content analysis, data were gathered from government policy statements between 1932 and 2023, sourced from the Library of Congress Database, Government House, and Legislative Institutions Office of the Secretariat of the House of Representatives. The findings reveal that justice-related policies can be categorized into two main types. The first category includes policies directed towards specific agencies within the justice system, such as police organizations, prosecutor's offices, the judiciary, correctional facilities, and probation services. The majority of these policies targeted judicial organizations, with 37 governments prioritizing this area, followed by 14 governments focusing on police organizations, 9 on correctional facilities, 4 on probation services, and 3 on prosecutors' offices.The second category pertains to overarching policies related to the justice process. Notably, Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn's government was the first to mention the term "justice process" in a government policy statement. The administration of Police Lieutenant Colonel Thaksin Shinawatra was the first to establish a policy focused on access to the justice system, while the government of General Prayut Chan-ocha emphasized convenient and expedited access to justice for the poor and underprivileged. The current administration, led by Mr. Settha Thaweesin, has continued this focus by promoting efficient access to the justice system for all citizens.

Factors Affecting the Choice of Alternative Justice Processes for People in Ratchaburi Province.

Punchayaporn Sakprathompanit, Soratn Glubwila, Theeravut Ninphet — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The fact that Ratchaburi Province has little use of alternative justice processes will have an impact on Khao Bin Temporary Prison. Since the Khao Bin Temporary Prison can accommodate only less than 300 inmates, Ratchaburi Province is an area worth researching. And from reviewing the literature, it was found that no research has been found that studies what factors affect the choice of alternative justice processes by both parties.The objective of this research was 1) to study the perception and confidence in the alternative justice process, 2) to study the factors related to the decision to use the alternative justice process, and 3) to find ways to promote the alternative justice process in conflict management. Quantitative data was collected using questionnaires from 400 people in Ratchaburi Province. Qualitative data was collected using semi-structured interviews with 16 people involved in the alternative justice process and the mainstream justice process in Ratchaburi Province. Qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis, while quantitative data were analyzed using statistical methods such as mean, percentage, standard deviation, F-test, and Pearson correlation coefficient analysis. The findings revealed that 1) Most people did not receive information about the alternative justice process. In terms of confidence, it was found that most people believed that the alternative justice process was a faster process than the mainstream justice process. 2) The hypothesis testing found that (1) Different ages, educational levels, occupations and incomes have different choices of judicial procedures. (2) Factors of experience and perception related to the choice of the alternative justice process. 3) The guidelines for promoting the alternative justice process in conflict management should focus on publicizing the alternative justice process to increase public awareness. Emphasize the importance of emphasizing the advantages and benefits that people will receive from choosing alternative justice processes.

Guidelines on Developing Artificial Intelligence Literacy for Police Officers

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Contemporary policing faces increasingly complex criminal challenges, characterized by escalating volume and sophisticated methodologies, particularly within the cyber domain. Consequently, law enforcement necessitates adaptive strategies, including developing and implementing artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness. This research addresses this exigency through in-depth interviews conducted with 25 key informants, comprising 3 AI experts, 12 police officers specializing in cybercrime investigations, and 10 members of the Cyber Club at the Royal Police Cadet Academy (RPCA). The study pursues two primary objectives: (1) to investigate challenges hindering the development of AI literacy among police officers, and (2) to propose guidelines for developing sustainable AI literacy among police officers.

Findings reveal a systemic lack of preparedness among police officers nationwide for the digital age, particularly concerning foundational digital literacy skills. This deficiency subsequently impacts data literacy, thereby impeding the effective integration of AI technologies. The study identifies three principal guidelines for fostering sustainable AI literacy among police officers: (1) cultivating an organizational culture that promotes the adoption of AI in policing; (2) developing AI personnel at all levels within the police force; and (3) formulating appropriate legal and policy frameworks to support AI development and implementation.