Best Domestic Violence Lawyers in Bang Khen

About Domestic Violence Law in Bang Khen, Thailand

Domestic violence in Thailand is addressed by national law, which applies in every district, including Bang Khen in Bangkok. The core statute is the Domestic Violence Victim Protection Act B.E. 2550, as amended, and related provisions of the Thai Criminal Code and the Child Protection Act. Domestic violence includes physical harm, threats, sexual violence, psychological abuse, and economic control within families and household relationships. In practice, help is coordinated locally in Bang Khen by the Metropolitan Police, public hospitals with One Stop Crisis Center units, social workers from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, and the Bangkok Family Court.

Victims can seek immediate police assistance, medical treatment, and court protection orders. The law focuses on both protection and accountability. Less serious incidents may involve counseling and protective measures, while serious assaults, sexual offenses, and repeated or aggravated conduct are prosecuted under the Criminal Code.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can assess risk and help you obtain rapid safety measures, such as an application for an urgent protection order that restricts contact, requires the abuser to leave the home, protects children, and orders temporary financial support. A lawyer can prepare police reports and evidence, coordinate with hospital staff and social workers, and communicate with prosecutors.

Domestic violence often intersects with divorce, separation, child custody and visitation, property division, and immigration or work permit issues for foreigners. A lawyer can plan a safe filing strategy, negotiate bail and release conditions that keep you safe, and represent you at the Bangkok Family Court and in criminal proceedings. If cost is a concern, a lawyer can connect you to legal aid or the Justice Fund through the Ministry of Justice.

Local Laws Overview

Governing laws include the Domestic Violence Victim Protection Act B.E. 2550 as amended, the Thai Criminal Code for assault, sexual offenses, threats, and unlawful detention, the Child Protection Act B.E. 2546 for child safety and welfare, and the Civil and Commercial Code for marriage, divorce, and custody. These laws apply in Bang Khen in the same way as anywhere in Thailand.

Who is protected: spouses and former spouses, partners who live or used to live together, family members by blood or marriage, children, elderly or dependent relatives, and individuals living in the same household who rely on one another.

Protection orders: the court can issue urgent and longer term protection orders. Typical terms include no contact and stay away conditions, removal of the abuser from the shared home, temporary child custody and visitation rules, orders to surrender weapons, orders for the abuser to attend counseling or treatment, and temporary financial support for basic needs. Breach of a protection order is an offense and can lead to arrest.

How cases proceed: victims may report to the police or seek help through a hospital One Stop Crisis Center or social worker. The court can receive applications for protection orders on an urgent basis. Less severe conduct may be addressed with protective measures and rehabilitation. Serious injury, sexual violence, use of weapons, or repeated abuse are typically prosecuted under the Criminal Code in addition to protective measures.

Evidence: medical certificates and photos of injuries, eyewitness statements, messages and call logs, social media posts, damaged property photos, and prior reports to police or hospitals can all be used. Keep originals and make copies.

Children: if children are at risk, authorities can arrange emergency placement and support. In custody disputes, the court prioritizes the best interests and safety of the child, and documented violence can affect custody and visitation.

Privacy and interpreters: courts can provide interpreters on request and may hold closed hearings to protect privacy. Police and hospitals can arrange translation support in Bangkok. Victims can ask to keep contact details confidential where appropriate.

Non Thai citizens: you can report abuse regardless of immigration status. Tourist Police and social workers can help with language and referrals. Get legal advice promptly if your visa status could be affected by changes in your living situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as domestic violence under Thai law

Domestic violence includes physical assault, sexual violence including marital rape, threats and intimidation, stalking, confinement, destruction of property, psychological abuse such as humiliation or coercive control, and economic abuse such as withholding money or forbidding work. It applies to spouses, former spouses, cohabitants, family members, and people in the same household with a dependency relationship.

Which court handles cases from Bang Khen

Protection orders and family related issues are handled by the Bangkok Family Court. Criminal offenses are investigated by the Metropolitan Police covering Bang Khen and prosecuted in the Bangkok criminal courts. A lawyer can file applications and appear in both systems.

How quickly can I get a protection order

If there is an immediate safety risk, you can request an urgent order. The court can consider emergency applications quickly after filing. Police, social workers, and hospital staff can help you gather documents and apply. Bring identification and any evidence you have.

Do I need to press charges for the police to help

No. In emergencies, call the police for immediate protection. You can also pursue a civil protection order without filing criminal charges. For serious assaults or sexual offenses, the police will open a criminal case. You can seek a protection order alongside a criminal investigation.

Can the abuser be ordered to leave the home

Yes. The court can order the abuser to vacate the shared residence, stay away from your home, workplace, school, or other locations, and have no contact with you or your children. The court can also order the surrender of weapons.

What if I am a foreigner or my visa is expiring

You can report domestic violence and request protection regardless of nationality or visa status. Seek legal advice about how a change in residence or separation may affect your visa, work permit, or your child’s status. Tourist Police and court interpreters can assist with language issues.

How does domestic violence affect child custody and visitation

Courts prioritize child safety. Evidence of domestic violence can limit or condition visitation, require supervised contact, or temporarily change custody. The court can set protective terms to prevent harm and exposure to violence.

What evidence should I collect

Collect medical certificates, photos of injuries and damaged items, messages or emails showing threats or abuse, call logs, GPS or ride receipts, and names of witnesses. Keep a written timeline with dates, times, and details. Store copies in a safe place and consider cloud backups.

How much will this cost and are there legal aid options

Court fees for protection orders are usually modest and may be waived in appropriate cases. Legal aid may be available through the Lawyers Council of Thailand, the Ministry of Justice Justice Fund, or NGOs. Ask the court help desk or a lawyer about fee waivers and funding.

What happens if the abuser violates a protection order

Call the police immediately. Violating court ordered no contact or stay away terms is an offense. The police can arrest the violator and the court can impose penalties and modify orders to increase protection.

Additional Resources

Police and emergency support: call 191 for police in an emergency. For urgent medical help call 1669 for EMS. Tourist Police can assist foreigners with language support.

Hospitals and One Stop Crisis Centers: public hospitals in Bangkok operate OSCC units that provide medical care, documentation, social workers, and referrals for domestic violence victims.

Ministry of Social Development and Human Security: the Social Assistance Center hotline 1300 connects you to shelters, counseling, and social workers. The Ministry operates safe houses and emergency accommodation.

Bangkok Family Court: the court’s service desk can provide forms and guidance for protection order applications, custody matters, and support orders.

Department of Mental Health: hotline 1323 provides mental health counseling and crisis support.

Lawyers Council of Thailand Legal Aid: offers legal consultations and representation for those who qualify.

Ministry of Justice and Rights and Liberties Protection Department: provides victim assistance, compensation applications in qualifying criminal cases, and access to the Justice Fund for legal expenses.

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Social Development Department and Bang Khen District Office: local social welfare teams can arrange emergency assistance, shelter referrals, and coordination with police and hospitals.

Next Steps

If you are in immediate danger, call 191 and move to a safe place. Seek medical care and tell hospital staff what happened so they can document injuries and contact an OSCC social worker. If you cannot travel, call 1669 for emergency medical assistance.

Preserve evidence. Keep messages, photos, and medical records. Write a brief timeline of events with dates and locations. Share copies with your lawyer or a trusted person.

Make a police report at the nearest Metropolitan Police station in Bang Khen or through a hospital referral. Ask for language support if needed. Request that your contact details be kept confidential where appropriate.

Apply for an urgent protection order at the Bangkok Family Court. A lawyer or social worker can help prepare the application, proposed terms, and supporting evidence. Ask the court for temporary child related orders if children are at risk.

Contact a lawyer or legal aid provider. Bring identification, any court or police papers, medical certificates, and a list of witnesses. Discuss safety planning, living arrangements, and how the case may affect divorce, custody, property, and immigration issues.

Follow up with social workers and the prosecutor. Keep copies of all documents, court orders, and police reports. If the abuser contacts you in violation of an order, call the police and notify your lawyer immediately.

This guide is general information. For advice about your specific situation in Bang Khen, consult a qualified Thai lawyer or a legal aid service.