Best Juvenile Law Lawyers in Bueng Kum

About Juvenile Law Law in Bueng Kum, Thailand

Juvenile law in Bueng Kum follows Thailand wide rules that focus on protection, rehabilitation, and the best interests of the child. Bueng Kum is a district in Bangkok, so cases are handled under the authority of the Central Juvenile and Family Court and the Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection. When a child is suspected of a crime or is a victim of abuse or neglect, the system emphasizes support services, confidentiality, and alternatives to detention. Family issues such as custody, guardianship, child support, and adoption are also within the jurisdiction of juvenile and family courts.

Thai law generally treats anyone under 18 as a child for juvenile justice and child protection purposes. Children under 10 have no criminal responsibility. Children aged 10 to under 15 are not punished in the usual criminal sense, and instead the court can order protective or corrective measures. Children aged 15 to under 18 can be held responsible, but penalties are reduced and the court prefers educational and restorative outcomes.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Police investigation or arrest involving a minor in Bueng Kum. A lawyer can arrange a safe interview environment, ensure a parent, guardian, or trusted adult is present, and protect the child from self incrimination.

Court appearances at the Central Juvenile and Family Court. Counsel helps with bail applications called temporary release, diversion to community programs, plea discussions, and trial strategy that prioritizes rehabilitation.

Child victim cases. If your child is a victim of bullying, assault, sexual exploitation, online crimes, or domestic violence, a lawyer coordinates with social workers and prosecutors, secures protection orders, and manages compensation claims.

School related incidents. Fights, property damage, vaping or narcotics possession, or cyberbullying can spill into the legal system. Legal advice helps resolve matters early and reduce long term consequences.

Family matters in the juvenile and family court. Custody disputes, guardianship, legitimation, child support, and adoption involve complex filings and evidence. Legal support helps present the child focused case to the court.

Immigration or language issues for foreign families. A lawyer ensures access to interpreters, explains rights, and coordinates with consular services.

Record protection and privacy. Counsel can seek confidentiality orders, sealing of records where available, and accurate correction of police and court records.

Local Laws Overview

Key statutes. The Juvenile and Family Court and Procedure Act B.E. 2553 sets special procedures for children in conflict with the law and for family cases. The Child Protection Act B.E. 2546 establishes protective measures and the roles of social workers and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. The Thai Penal Code addresses criminal responsibility and reduced penalties for minors. Other laws that often arise include the Narcotics laws, the Computer Crime Act, and the Domestic Violence law.

Ages and criminal responsibility. Under Section 73 of the Penal Code, a child under 10 is not criminally liable. From 10 to under 15, the child is not punished as an offender, and the court may order supervision, probation, or placement in a training school. From 15 to under 18, penalties can apply but are reduced, and the court strongly favors probation, counseling, education, and restorative justice. For youths 18 to under 20, some further reduction may be possible, depending on the circumstances.

Police procedures in Bangkok including Bueng Kum. When police suspect a child, they should promptly notify parents or guardians and the Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection. Any interview should take place in a child friendly room, with a lawyer and social worker or psychologist present. Interrogations should be recorded according to legal and police rules. Children should not be held with adults. If detention is necessary, the child is sent to an Observation and Protection Center, not a standard jail, and must be brought before the court without delay, typically within 24 hours.

Court process and privacy. Juvenile hearings are generally closed to the public to protect the child. Publishing the name or image of a child involved in a case is restricted. The court may order diversion, mediation, community service, counseling, schooling, or placement, depending on the case and the childs needs. Temporary release on bail is available, and a suitable adult can act as guarantor.

Victim protection. In abuse or neglect cases, social workers can remove a child from immediate danger, and the court can order protection. The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security coordinates shelters, counseling, and long term support. The court aims to avoid repeated interviews, and uses multidisciplinary teams to reduce trauma.

Jurisdiction for Bueng Kum. Juvenile and family matters arising in Bueng Kum fall under the Central Juvenile and Family Court in Bangkok. Observation and protection services are provided by the Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection in Bangkok, which assists with assessment, supervision, and rehabilitation plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is considered a juvenile in Thailand

Under Thai law, a child is anyone under 18. For criminal responsibility, under 10 there is no liability, 10 to under 15 involves protective measures instead of punishment, and 15 to under 18 involves reduced penalties with a focus on rehabilitation.

Will my child be questioned without me present

The police should notify a parent or guardian and arrange for a social worker or psychologist to attend. Your child has the right to a lawyer. Interviews should occur in a child sensitive setting and be recorded according to rules. You can request to be present unless the authorities have specific reasons to limit contact, such as safety concerns.

Can a child be detained overnight

Detention is a last resort. If necessary, a child is kept at an Observation and Protection Center, not with adult detainees. The police must bring the child before the court without delay, typically within 24 hours, to review any continued detention.

What is temporary release or bail for juveniles

Temporary release allows a child to remain at home during the case. The court considers the childs best interests, supervision at home, school attendance, and risks. A parent or trusted adult can act as guarantor, and conditions like curfews or counseling may apply.

Can a juvenile case be diverted or settled

Yes, diversion and restorative processes are common where appropriate. With prosecutor and court approval, a case may be resolved through mediation, apology, restitution, community service, or counseling, especially for first time and less serious offenses.

Will the school be notified

Authorities may coordinate with schools for attendance and counseling plans. Courts often require continued education. Schools should respect confidentiality. If you are concerned about stigma, ask your lawyer to address privacy with the school and the court.

What happens if the child is a victim of abuse or online exploitation

Social workers assess safety and can arrange shelter, medical care, and counseling. The court can order protection, and police pursue offenders. Interviews are designed to minimize trauma, often with specialized officers and child friendly rooms.

How are foreign families supported in Bueng Kum

Children have the same protections regardless of nationality. Interpreters should be provided for police and court. You can request consular notification. Legal aid may be available, and lawyers can coordinate with immigration and social services.

Are juvenile records public

No. Juvenile proceedings are confidential. Publishing names or images of children in cases is restricted. Access to records is controlled, and your lawyer can request sealing or limited disclosure where permitted.

How long does a juvenile case take

Timeframes vary by seriousness, evidence, and whether diversion is used. Many cases resolve within a few months, especially if the child complies with conditions. Complex cases can take longer, but the court aims to avoid unnecessary delay for children.

Additional Resources

Central Juvenile and Family Court, Bangkok. Handles juvenile delinquency and family cases arising from Bueng Kum. Provides information desks and court based social services.

Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection, Ministry of Justice. Operates Bangkok Observation and Protection Center and community supervision. Assists with assessments, diversion programs, and rehabilitation planning.

Office of the Attorney General, Juvenile and Family Case Prosecutors. Manages prosecution decisions, diversion approvals, and victim protection coordination.

Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Child Protection Services. Hotline 1300 provides 24 hour assistance, shelter referrals, and social worker support for children at risk.

Royal Thai Police emergency number 191. Use for immediate danger. Ask for Child and Woman Protection officers for child specific response where available.

Childline Thailand phone 1387. Offers counseling and referrals for children and families in crisis.

Lawyers Council of Thailand Legal Aid. Provides information on low cost or free legal assistance for eligible families.

Court of Justice Legal Aid Office. Offers guidance on legal aid applications for court proceedings.

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Social Development Department. Coordinates local welfare services and can direct families in Bueng Kum to district level support.

Bueng Kum District Office, Social Welfare Section. Assists residents with local documentation, referrals, and access to community services that may support a childs rehabilitation plan.

Next Steps

Stay calm and gather documents. Collect your childs identification, your household registration, school records, medical notes if any, and any letters from teachers or community leaders. These help demonstrate stability and support.

Contact a juvenile focused lawyer early. Ask specifically about experience with the Central Juvenile and Family Court and with the Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection. Early advice can lead to diversion or conditions that avoid detention.

Request protections during police contact. Ask that interviews occur with a lawyer and a social worker or psychologist present. Confirm that the session is recorded. Ensure a parent, guardian, or trusted adult is nearby to support the child.

Prepare for temporary release. Identify a responsible adult who can act as guarantor, prepare a daily routine for school and home, and arrange transportation. Bring documents that show supervision and stability to the first court appearance.

Engage with rehabilitation services. Counseling, tutoring, vocational programs, and community activities help the court see positive structure. Keep attendance records and progress reports.

Protect privacy. Ask the police, school, and any involved parties to limit disclosure. Do not post case details or a childs image on social media. Request court orders addressing confidentiality if needed.

Follow all conditions strictly. Attend every appointment, arrive on time, and comply with curfews or counseling. Keep a file of receipts and attendance to show compliance at review hearings.

If your child is a victim, prioritize safety. Call 191 in emergencies, contact the 1300 hotline for shelter and counseling, and seek a protection order through the court with help from a lawyer or social worker.

Document everything. Keep copies of notices, summonses, police reports, medical records, and school correspondence. Write down dates, times, and names of officers or officials you meet.

Plan for the future. Ask your lawyer about record confidentiality, school re entry, and any steps to minimize long term impact, including potential sealing or limited access to records where the law allows.