The Chief Justice of the Criminal Court highlighted the balance between protecting citizens' rights and freedoms alongside social protection, revealing that online crime cases have surpassed drug cases and announcing plans to establish a center to protect against online threats.
On 25 Dec 2025 GMT+7, at the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road in the 10th-floor conference room, the court's executives held a meeting with the media. Present were Mr. Jiraphat Panthavee, Chief Justice of the Criminal Court; Mr. Ratcha Sutthima, Mr. Wachira Thaninson, Mr. Chayakmon Kasemsan Na Ayutthaya, Deputy Chief Justices; Mr. Nattanun Dujdamkoeng, head of the drug case division; Mr. Rattawit Ariyaphatphon, head of the technology crime division; Ms. Napawan Khunaksorn, head of the human trafficking division; Mrs. Phenwipha Loykullanut, secretary of the court; Mr. Suriyan Hongwilai, spokesperson for the judiciary; and Mr. Kantapon Emkrut, director of the Criminal Court's administrative office.
Mr. Jiraphat, Chief Justice of the Criminal Court, said the court's key mission is to protect citizens' rights and freedoms while maintaining social order, requiring a balance between these objectives. In maintaining order, state officials focus on swiftly suppressing crime to punish offenders, known as the Crime Control theory. Meanwhile, protecting citizens' rights emphasizes due process aligned with the rule of law. The judiciary's role is to balance these two approaches. When society is unstable, more weight may be given to Crime Control; when stable, the focus shifts to protecting rights and freedoms.
Mr. Jiraphat added that in 2025, the Criminal Court received 10,900 bail requests, the highest nationwide, covering both minor and major cases, with most being major. Previously, the bail approval rate was about 53-54%, but in the three months since he took office, it rose to 65%, reflecting stronger protection of citizens' rights. The increase is due to implementing regulations from Mr. Adisak Tantivong, President of the Supreme Court, which emphasize concrete bail measures. Instead of focusing solely on bail guarantees, these rules stress reporting requirements, travel bans, supervision appointments, electronic monitoring, and guarantees. Deputy Chief Justices and division heads applied these ideas to bail orders. The system was adjusted to allow division heads to approve bail in straightforward cases, addressing the 80-90 daily bail requests, sometimes over 100, which previously caused delays until evening orders. This change speeds up bail decisions so people can return home sooner.
Mr. Jiraphat explained that if bail is denied, the accused is detained in prison under correctional supervision. However, if released on bail, there is no supervision, and the accused may feel frustration or remorse, possibly leading to further illegal acts. To address this gap, psychosocial counseling clinics are used to provide guidance to accused and defendants, helping them understand the causes of their actions and reflect on right and wrong. If remorse develops, they may seek to make amends to victims and consider victim care. A new system will also allow victims to access psychosocial clinic support.
Deputy Chief Justice Mr. Ratcha added that before granting bail, the court uses risk assessment forms completed by officials to evaluate the likelihood of reoffending. This academic approach helps determine if a supervisor should be appointed to prevent repeated offenses. This system also contributes to protecting victims.
Mr. Suriyan, judiciary spokesperson, said the Criminal Court uses appointed supervisors and psychosocial clinic counselors, yielding benefits for defendants who undergo psychological interviews, self-correction, and supervision. Bail decisions consider whether the accused might tamper with evidence or reoffend, similar to other criminal cases. Each case is assessed individually, considering damage and involved parties, to balance protecting accused rights with societal safety. This is the court's principle to maintain equilibrium between defendants' rights and victims' protection.
The Criminal Court is an example for courts nationwide in using psychosocial clinics since 2022. This year, the clinics are fully operational nationwide, continuing their work, though they may not be widely known to the public. All accused persons appearing before the court receive equal care with no exceptions.
Chief Justice Jiraphat stated that in 2025, the court received 13,000 new cases. Traditionally, drug cases predominated, but recently, technology-related crimes have increased beyond drug cases. To address this, the court consulted with division heads to establish a Center for Protecting Public Safety from Online Threats, targeting illegal websites, scammers, online gambling, and sites affecting national security and public order. The center aims to enhance protection of citizens' rights and safety from online dangers going forward.