The President of the Supreme Court of Thailand has recently issued official guidance on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in judicial proceedings. This reflects a global trend where courts, law enforcement agencies, and administrative bodies are increasingly adopting AI technology to improve efficiency.
For businesses and individuals in Thailand, these changes are significant. Whether you are involved in litigation, arbitration, regulatory disputes, or corporate compliance, understanding how AI is applied in the justice system can help protect your rights and prepare you for the future of law.
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Key Recommendations from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court emphasized five important principles regarding AI in judicial work:
1. Responsible Use of AI
AI may be used to support tasks such as summarizing judgments, checking legal precedents, or reviewing case documents. However, judges and lawyers must always remain the final decision-makers.
Example: If AI software suggests sentencing guidelines in a criminal case, the judge must still independently assess the facts and cannot rely solely on the system’s recommendation.
2. Protection of Confidentiality and Privacy
Court proceedings often involve sensitive personal or corporate data. AI tools must not expose or misuse such information.
Example: In a commercial dispute, financial statements uploaded into an AI system must be kept strictly confidential. Sharing them with external platforms without safeguards could violate the law.
3. Judicial Independence
AI cannot replace the reasoning and discretion of judges. Judges must retain independence in weighing evidence and delivering judgments.
Example: An AI program may analyze thousands of similar cases and suggest a ruling, but the judge has full authority to deviate if circumstances differ.
4. Limitations of AI in Court Proceedings
AI should only act as a supportive tool, not as a replacement. Judges, court officials, and lawyers must review all outputs and verify accuracy before relying on them.
Example: If AI generates a case summary for a contract dispute, lawyers must double-check details before submitting it as part of court evidence.
5. Oversight and Standards
The Office of the Judiciary is responsible for approving and implementing AI tools that are suitable for judicial use. These must align with fairness, equality, and legal confidentiality.
Example: If new AI software is introduced to help manage case backlogs, it must undergo legal review to ensure it does not disadvantage any party.
Why This Matters for Businesses and Individuals
The use of AI in the Thai justice system has practical implications:
- For Corporates & Startups: If your company faces litigation, some documents may now be processed by AI. Proper legal preparation ensures your sensitive data is not mishandled.
- For Financial Institutions & FinTech: Regulatory investigations increasingly rely on digital evidence and AI tools. Compliance with PDPA and court data policies is essential.
- For Individuals: In cases involving contracts, debt recovery, or family disputes, AI may help courts process cases faster. However, you need a lawyer who understands both the technology and the law to ensure fairness.
FAQ
“Can AI decide court cases in Thailand?”
No. AI can assist judges but cannot replace judicial reasoning.
“Is AI evidence admissible in Thai courts?”
AI-generated summaries or reports may support proceedings, but they must be verified and cannot stand alone as final evidence.
“What are the risks of AI in legal disputes?”
Risks include data leaks, biased algorithms, and over-reliance on machine-generated analysis.
“How does AI affect corporate litigation in Thailand?”
AI may speed up case management, but businesses must ensure compliance with data protection and confidentiality laws.
How Lex Bangkok Can Help
At Lex Bangkok, we support clients by:
- Advising on AI and data protection compliance in litigation.
- Assisting companies in regulatory disputes where digital evidence and AI-driven analysis are involved.