How To Get A Foreign Lady Out Of Thai Prison

[buzzer]

Hi,

I met some Filipino people who have a relative in prison who has been in there merely awaiting trial for over 1 year 10 months already. She has had a free Thai lawyer that her aunt's boyfriend aptly nicknamed - "the sleeping lawyer". Hearing her side of the story, it seems likely that she was railroaded. In any case it would be nothing more than a "he said, she said" thing in the US, and at worst they would have been let her off with a warning - Oh! and taken her to a hospital. Possibly he would have been arrested, not her. In the US I could probably just go to a judge directly or through a para-legal and, given the injustice of the situation, have her released immediately for time served. This ain't the US.

Apparently the "victim" - a farang man - spoke fluent Thai, and may have had other connections, At the time she spoke almost no Thai, and didn't read, and before she knew it she was in jail signing confessions written in Thai that she didn't know were confessions. These were forced upon her saying that she wouldn't be able to see or talk to anyone unless she signed. Gee - that couldn't happen here - could it? Anyhow both were bloodied by their fight. She's little. He's big. He, I think, could have 'invested' some tea money in order to insure her 'proper treatment'. I can't afford anything to help her - not much anyway. A savvy friend said that a good Thai criminal lawyer will charge $300 USD an hour and eat up hours like rice. Someone suggested the Rotary Club. I don't know what to do about contacting the Philippine Embassy, but I'm sure they're involved on some level.

Apparently the prosecution is much more 'awake' than her lawyer, and apparently they are getting her trial date extended time after time at 2 months each time. Her relatives said that they just found out 10 day extensions are legal, and 2 month extensions are not. I don't know. Seems a bit late in the process for them to be acquiring this info, if they're doing a thorough job of seeking her freedom.

My involvement comes because I don't credit her family for knowing what to do, given the length of time she's been in there, and the lack of results. So I'm just putting out some feelers among some friends and business men I know. My only lawyer, and my businessman friend's only contact with lawyers are business lawyers. Her family's plan is to wait until the next date - about one month - and if her lawyer continues to fail - get another. They can't afford anything either. I'm worried that the prosecution might actually mount a case based on her signed confessions and get her in there long-term for attempted murder, and would like to do whatever I can to help. I had to check here, because there's an extreme amount of collected expertise among the members of this forum. Any advice given will be greatly appreciated.

Buzzer

[Deke]

What did she do? Why hasn't her family posted bail?

[tattoodrob]

only chance is money i think...to offer the thai guy to drop charge etc otherwise very difficult.

[britmaveric]

No dosh, no chance. Filipinos aren't seen very highly in Thai(s) eyes at any rate. I fear only a big sum of dosh will get her out of her predicament.

[buzzer]

What she did is beside the point. It is what is being done - too her - that matters. She had a domestic fight with a Falang boyfriend. Re-read my previous post more closely. That should give you all the details you need.

Anyway - I appreciate the opinions, everybody has one - But what this lady needs is expert advice from someone who has dealings with criminal legal matters in Thailand.

If anyone that reads this has any viable information, or plan, or advice, please post from a desire to help.

Thanks,

Buzzer

[pampal]

Actually it is quite pertinent what her alleged crime is, that is what determines the nature and amount of tea money that needs to be distributed, so that the desired objective is reached.

[buzzer]

Actually it is quite pertinent what her alleged crime is, that is what determines the nature and amount of tea money that needs to be distributed, so that the desired objective is reached.

Already covered that! What tea money? You're assuming someone has money to pay. These are Filipinos.

The charge is probably assault or attempted murder. She hasn't even come to trial after more than 22 mos. The plaintiff won't show up. The prosecution keeps delaying.

Please read original post closely BUT! Please respond if you think you're in the category of one who can give expert advise. I am primarily answering these, because it will go back to the top of the list. Maybe someone with some good advice will read this.

Thanks,

Buzzer

[Maizefarmer]

Yes - what is the exact charge - its very relivant, because for a common assualt (or similar) the fact that she is a foreign national strictly speaking has little impact on her legal status or entitlement to bail - meaning: I would have thought that she would be treated as any Thai would, which means she should have got bail long long longgggggg time back.

So - what is exactly has she being shraged with.

[jstumbo]

Already covered that! What tea money? You're assuming someone has money to pay. These are Filipinos.

They are saying that this is Thailand and that if they want it to go fast or for her to get out, then someone might have to pay.

[PadThaiGuy]

Already covered that! What tea money? You're assuming someone has money to pay. These are Filipinos.

They are saying that this is Thailand and that if they want it to go fast or for her to get out, then someone might have to pay.

What do they call a foreigner in Thai Court?

GUILTY.

Thais don't like foreigners. Nuff said.

[SeaVisionBurma]

The charge is probably assault or attempted murder.

Please read original post closely BUT! Please respond if you think you're in the category of one who can give expert advise. I am primarily answering these, because it will go back to the top of the list. Maybe someone with some good advice will read this.

Thanks,

Buzzer

Don't take any offence from this, but you probably shouldn't expect to get 'expert' concise advice on this particular matter given your OP and subsequent follow-up posts aren't particularly precise in describing the matter.

My first question would also have been 'what is she charged with?' - to which your response has either been 'beside the point' or that it is 'probably' assault or attempted murder.

TBH I would imagine there is quite a difference between assault and attempted murder!! This makes the charge very relevant...

You have also pretty much just stated that you are deliberately bumping the thread each time someone replies even if you are not happy with the answer (so that it will remain in view indefinitely in the hope you will eventually get the answer you want???)

If you ask for advice on a legal matter which is described in a generalised way, or in terms bordering on informal or colloquial - then you can't expect the advice to be of an 'expert legal response. You would have been better off posting a request for someone to contact you via PM if they have a legal background - or better still go see a lawyer.

Good luck.

Edited March 26, 2008 by SeaVisionBurma