Police Refuse to Accept Your Criminal Complaint in Thailand?
You went to report an offence, but were told it cannot be accepted, or were passed between units until the matter stalled
Chaiyaphum Office · Nationwide Thailand
For example, you tried to file a fraud complaint, but were told it is a civil matter for the courts — before any inquiry officer had ever examined the facts
Who This Page Is For
- People whose complaint was refused without a clear reason
- Complainants passed between units until the matter stalled
- Anyone unsure whether their matter is criminal or a civil dispute
Common Concerns and Practical Responses
They said it is a civil matter, not a crime
A criminal offence and a civil dispute are not mutually exclusive; many matters proceed on both tracks. Ask for the refusal in writing, then check whether it has a legal basis
I was sent from one office to another
Clarify the jurisdiction — where the incident occurred or where the victim resides — and present the connecting evidence, to reduce the referrals
I fear complaining will make things worse
Complaining through the proper channel is a legal right, exercised politely with complete records of contact; it does not affect the substance of the case
What You Can Do Yourself
- Ask for the refusal and its reason in writing, with the name and rank of the officer
- Note the date, time, station, and key parts of the conversation
- Assemble documents showing the facts that support the elements of an offence
- If the matter is still not considered, petition the supervising officers of that unit in order of the chain of command
Where a Lawyer Can Help
- Analysing whether the facts constitute a criminal offence before refiling
- Preparing the complaint and supporting documents so they address the right issues and reduce grounds for refusal
- Proceeding with a petition through the channel appropriate to the case
Common Concerns Before Deciding
Must the police accept every report?
No. Acceptance and prosecution depend on lawful discretion and the facts, but a refusal must be reasoned and follow regulations
Will complaining make enemies?
A petition is a legal right, exercised appropriately on the strength of evidence and facts
Can I do this myself without a lawyer?
Yes — prepare complete information in writing; a lawyer helps where the matter is complex or high in value
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a complaint and a daily record?
A daily record merely notes an event, while a criminal complaint notifies the inquiry officer of an offence for prosecution; their legal effects differ
I was refused because of jurisdiction. Where should I go?
Go to the unit with authority over the parties’ location, the place of the incident, or as the law provides for that offence
How do I petition a supervisor?
Write a petition stating the facts, dates, and the refusing unit, and submit it first to the supervising officers of that station
Evidence-First Criminal Complaint Preparation
Our working approach: the facts, documents, and available evidence are reviewed first, so that the proposed complaint strategy fits the law and the evidence of each matter. This is a working method, not a promise of outcomes.
Responsibility and Working Procedure
Provides legal services and handles engagements within the framework of the legal profession, giving consideration to the issues and facts of each matter
View lawyer profile ↗Before Engaging Us, Please Note
- An initial inquiry begins with the type of matter and the date of the incident
- A preliminary opinion may require additional documents before a course of action can be proposed
- Scope of work, fees, and timeline are put in writing before work begins
- The firm does not guarantee case outcomes or investigation results, which depend on the facts and the lawful discretion of the authorities
Related Pages: Criminal Complaint Assistance · Criminal Defense & Litigation · Our Lawyers · Contact