Amendment of Criminal Procedure Code on Hearing Proceedings

On January 4, 2022, the Cabinet has approved in principle a draft Act Amendment of the Criminal Procedure Code (No..) B.E… (“Draft Act”) in order to amend Section 172 paragraph five and adding paragraph six to such section.

The purpose of this Draft Act is to amend the Criminal Procedure Code to allow the court’s hearing proceedings and testimony taken place out of the court in a form of VDO conference proceedings in the event of public disaster or necessity for safety. It also includes the situation of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

This VDO conference proceedings can be conducted under consent of the defendant and the court deems appropriated. The proceedings must not cause damage or injustice to the defendant in accordance with the rules and procedures prescribed by the President of Supreme Court and it shall be deemed that such proceedings are considered and examined in the court room.

Under the rules and procedures of the President of Supreme Court, sufficient collateral must be provided for opening trial and communication between the defendant and its lawyer is private. It is also required to consider regarding the person whom the laws treat under special protection or care.