VOLUNTEER LAWYERS IN THAILAND AND ACCESS TO JUSTICE IN CRIMINAL CASES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF LEGAL AID SYSTEMS

Abstract

          Access to legal representation is a fundamental safeguard in criminal justice systems, particularly for suspects and defendants who lack financial resources. Many countries have developed legal aid systems such as Public Defender or Legal Aid schemes supported by institutional frameworks and public funding. In Thailand, access to legal assistance for the public has been facilitated through the volunteer lawyer system administered by the Lawyers Council of Thailand under the Royal Patronage.

          This article aims (1) to examine barriers affecting access to Thailand’s volunteer lawyer system (2) to propose policy and practical recommendations for improving criminal legal aid. Including the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan. The study employs documentary research and comparative legal analysis.

          The findings indicate that while the volunteer lawyer system in Thailand plays an important role in providing legal consultation and facilitating access to justice, the system still faces structural limitations in terms of institutional support, funding, and scope of services. Compared to international legal aid systems, Thailand's framework remains largely dependent on volunteer-based mechanisms.

          This article proposes strengthening Thailand's legal aid framework by enhancing the volunteer lawyer system of the Lawyers Council of Thailand under the Royal Patronage and integrating state resources such as the Justice Fund. Such reforms may contribute to the gradual development of a more comprehensive Public Defender system in the future.