Abstract:
It is internationally accepted that both the accused and the defendant are entitled to understand related legal procedures. The Right to an interpreter, inter alia, is of utmost importance, should the accused or defendant be unable to understand the language of communication in a criminal proceeding, interrogation or in a court of law, they shall not be considered legally protected. This therefore shall affect the legality of the procedure. This rule is incorporated in International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, and the European Convention on Human Rights. To comply with international standards, Thailand has amended the Criminal Procedure Code, Section 13, providing rules relating to government agencies responsible for providing interpreters. However, there are some drawbacks, for instance, the interpreter's qualifications and standards. Clear rules and regulations are required to which officials concerned such as the police, public prosecutors and judges must comply in the same way and with equal standards. The objectives of such rules are to guarantee equal rights for the accused and defendant who are unable to understand the Thai Language.