Tracking devices succeed in most bail cases

By Kesinee Tangkhieo 
The Nation

 

 

Ratchadapisek Criminal Court in Bangkok had electronic monitoring (EM) devices strapped to the legs of 319 low-income offenders between March and August while they were free on bail.

 

The measure worked in all but eight instances, deputy chief judge Wittaya Boonchaiwattana said on Sunday. Eight of the accused managed to break loose of the gadgets and failed to report to their probation officers. 

 

Three of those who disconnected their tracking devices have been recaptured, their bail was revoked and their guarantors were fined, he said.

 

The other five remain at large. 

 

Wittaya warned that shedding the devices would bring immediate arrest, additional punishment and less chance to obtaining bail release next time.

 

If they break or damage the EM device, the manufacturer, which rents them to the court, could even sue the offenders for costs. 

 

Of the 319 offenders shackled with leg trackers, 282 were not required to put up collateral as bail and the rest had to come up with 20 per cent of the required collateral. 

 

 

Ratchadapisek Criminal Court used the most of EM devices at 319 cases. Min Buri Court has since used them in 169 cases, Thon Buri Court in 74, Southern Bangkok Criminal Court in 69 and Nakhon Pathom Court in 58.

 

Wittaya also reported that the court had approved all but one of 12 police requests for rewards for recapturing offenders who were temporarily released. A regulation to that effect came into effect early this year. The approved reward money was a combined Bt205,500.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30353554

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-09-03

"...Of the 319 offenders shackled with leg trackers, 282 were not required to put up collateral as bail and the rest had to come up with 20 per cent of the required collateral..." 

 

This is a really good practice on the part of Thai authorities; I think, if it can be shown to be effective and I think it will be shown as such, then perhaps other societies could/should copy the idea. The poor already face many hurdles in all legal-related matters from the cost of an attorney, the cost of missing a day's work, the cost of bail, the loss of wages in any and all court matters, the terrible loss to families when the 'bread-winner' is unable to work, etc etc etc.

 

This is a sensible solution to a serious problem. The poor already are at a disadvantage in Thai society and anything that can lessen that disadvantage is a good thing.

 

I don't hesitate when Thailand does stupid things, so here when they are doing a good thing, let me say "well done!".

 

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Wittaya also reported that the court had approved all but one of 12 police requests for rewards for recapturing offenders who were temporarily released. A regulation to that effect came into effect early this year. The approved reward money was a combined Bt205,500.

So the RTP reward themselves as well as getting paid for doing the job expected of them. The police money grasping tentacles reach into to every corner of their jurisdiction; nothing is excluded. 

5 hours ago, Samui Bodoh said:

This is a really good practice on the part of Thai authorities; I think, if it can be shown to be effective and I think it will be shown as such, then perhaps other societies could/should copy the idea.

Ummm... I think a little research will underscore that the Thai authorities are only following the existing practices of many Western nations....

It never ceases to amaze me that people ( especially those with money) here get convicted of crimes but instead of immediately going to jail to serve their sentences they are released on bail to appeal. They should start placing gps trackers on these folk as well.