HomeThailand Extradition Lawyers and Attorneys
Extradition matters in Thailand should be taken with the utmost seriousness, as they can fundamentally alter your life in the long term. As such, it’s imperative to seek legal assistance from qualified extradition lawyers when another state seeks your extradition from Thailand or you are the subject of an Interpol Red Notice.
Our extradition lawyers in Thailand have vast experience with extradition proceedings and will help you navigate the Thai laws, ensuring a fair and accurate representation of your interests in court. We are authoritative experts in international law, thus we can provide comprehensive assistance with extradition matters in Thailand.
Extradition in Thailand
Extradition is the process by which one country hands over a person accused or convicted of a crime to another country to face criminal charges or to serve a sentence.
Active extradition involves transferring individuals wanted for criminal prosecution to Thailand. Passive extradition refers to extraditing individuals from Thailand. If the request is granted, the person is handed over to the country requesting extradition for further proceedings.
In the extradition request from Thailand, the following information must be provided:
- Personal details (full name and date of birth, nationality, passport information, physical description, photographs, and other identifying information);
- Description of the crime specified violated articles of the criminal code;
- The legal status of the case, evidence of the person’s guilt;
- Evidence confirming that the individual is evading justice;
- A link to the relevant international extradition treaty or bilateral extradition agreement between Thailand and the requesting country;
- Any additional information or documents required to support the extradition request.
The fundamental principles of extradition in Thailand:
- The principle of dual criminality;
- Limitation period;
- Non-political nature of the crimes;
- Human rights guarantee;
- Double jeopardy (Ne bis in idem);
- The principle of a fair trial.
Thai Extradition Laws
An extradition request in Thailand is governed by the Extradition Act B.E. 2551 of 2008, which establishes the rules and procedures for the transfer of individuals accused or convicted of crimes to other states. Thailand is also bound by international extradition treaties with a number of countries, simplifying the process of surrendering individuals who are evading justice. For the stages, time limits and grounds for refusal, see how extradition from Thailand works.
Thailand has signed a number of bilateral and multilateral extradition treaties with various countries, including the USA, the UK, Australia, and Canada.
Under Thai law, extradition is possible for an offence that is a crime under both Thai law and the law of the requesting state and is punishable by death or by imprisonment of one year or more (Section 7).
The Extradition Process in Thailand
Extradition begins with a request submitted by a foreign state to the Office of the Attorney General of Thailand. If the country does not have an extradition treaty with Thailand, the request is sent through the usual diplomatic channels.
The public prosecutor brings the case before a Thai court, which checks whether the person is the one sought, whether the offence is extraditable and not of a political character or a purely military offence, and whether there is a prima facie case as if the offence had been committed in Thailand (Sections 18–19).
The public prosecutor or the person sought may appeal within 30 days, and the Court of Appeal’s decision is final (Section 21). After the final court order, the Thai government decides on surrender; it may not take place before 30 days have passed and must be completed within 90 days unless the court extends the period (Sections 20 and 22).
If the decision on extradition is made, the individual is transferred to the requesting state for further legal proceedings or to serve their sentence.
Offences Requiring Extradition
The Extradition Act B.E. 2551 does not list specific crimes: any offence that meets the double-criminality and one-year threshold may be extraditable (Section 7). Offences that typically meet this threshold include:
- Drug trafficking, production, and distribution of narcotics;
- Participation in terrorist acts;
- Financing of terrorism;
- Premeditated murder;
- Corruption.
- Major financial frauds;
- Money laundering;
- Human trafficking, forced labor, and sexual exploitation;
- Organized crime;
- Crimes against humanity;
- Cybercrime.
Extradition Conditions in Thailand:
- The crime must be qualified for extradition in accordance with Thai laws.
- The suspect should not be charged with political crimes.
- The nature of the crime should not be of a military character.
- Extradition must not breach any other laws of the Kingdom.
- The person has not been finally acquitted of the same conduct by a Thai court or a court of the requesting state (Section 10).
- The person has not been pardoned or granted amnesty, and the limitation period has not expired (Section 10).
- The person has not already served a sentence for the same conduct (Section 10).
Countries Without an Extradition Treaty with Thailand
Thailand has 12 bilateral extradition treaties covering 16 countries: the 1911 treaty with the United Kingdom, which also applies to Canada, Australia, Malaysia and Fiji, and treaties with Belgium, Indonesia, the Philippines, the United States, China, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Laos, South Korea, India and Hungary (Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2024). A treaty with Russia was signed on 23 October 2024 and ratified by Russia in June 2025 (Kremlin). The list of countries without a bilateral extradition treaty with Thailand is therefore long.
For example, Thailand has no bilateral extradition treaty in force with the following countries:
- Russia (treaty signed in October 2024; ratified by Russia in June 2025)
- Germany
- France
- Spain
- Mexico
- Austria
- Singapore
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
- Cuba
- Vietnam
- Iran
- North Korea
- Belarus
- Kazakhstan
But even if no extradition treaty has been concluded between the countries, a request for the transfer of a suspect or accused person can be accepted. The request will be considered on a special basis.
Our solicitors have experience with international cases and can assist clients in navigating the nuances of extradition processes, even in the absence of formal agreements.
Extradition and Interpol Red Notice
Interpol Red Notice is an international request for the temporary detention of an individual with the aim of their possible extradition. It is issued at the request of the country seeking the suspect to face criminal proceedings or convicted person for a crime.
Although a red notice is not an international arrest warrant Many countries use it as a legal basis for detaining a person and initiating extradition proceedings.
If another country is seeking a person located in Thailand, it may ask Interpol to circulate a Red Notice, but the extradition request itself goes to Thailand’s Central Authority, the Attorney General, or, without a treaty, through diplomatic channels (Sections 5 and 8).
The Extradition Act does not mention Interpol notices: arrest and detention for extradition are based on a request from the requesting state, including an urgent request for provisional arrest (Section 15), and on an order of a Thai court. Surrender requires a final court order and a decision of the Thai government (Sections 19–22).
Removal of Red Notices in Thailand
Removing the red notification can be initiated through the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF). An individual detained on the basis of a Red Notice, or their representatives, may submit a complaint to INTERPOL if the notice violates international standards:
- The political motivation behind the request;
- Human rights violation;
- Lack of sufficient evidence.
Our solicitors have experience in dealing with matters related to red notices and can assist at all stages of the process. We provide:
- Consultations on the legality of red notices.
- Representation in Thai courts;
- Preparing complaints to Interpol for the removal of notices.
We offer professional support in protecting your rights and interests.
Extradition Law Firm in Thailand
Our law firm specialises in complex legal issues related to international extradition in Thailand. We provide a full range of services to protect the interests of clients facing the threat of extradition. We handle matters of extradition both from Thailand and to Thailand.
Our experienced extradition lawyers in Thailand are ready to provide the following services:
- Legal advice;
- Assessment of the request’s legality and its compliance with Thai legislation;
- Extradition disputes;
- Initiating the procedure for the removal of Interpol’s red notices.
- Full legal support.
Our Interpol Red Notice Law Firm possesses extensive experience in handling extradition cases and is familiar with all the legal nuances of this complex process. We are ready to represent clients’ interests both in Thailand and in other jurisdictions.
If you’re facing extradition in Thailand or are subject to an Interpol red notice, please get in touch with our solicitors for prompt and professional assistance. We know how to protect your rights and secure a fair outcome.
