Anthropological Archives Database

2371. Reference : MM-1-21-506

Lunch with a judge

| June 4, 1969. Moerman had lunch with Penthip, who was a judge, discussing various interesting issues. First, it was necessary to apply the prescribed penalties of criminal cases (Yi Tok) in conviction because young judges had insufficient experience to settle the cases. Second, the police should assist with the work of the court by screening cases and by investigating suspects with fairness. They should not use force and impose charges on the accused. Third, a problem with graft in the fraud cases, which deviated decisions, was raised in the conversation. Fourth, personal conflict between judges may cause problems with the conviction. Fifth, police and prosecutors often chose to file the lawsuits to sue defendants, even if there was no evidence, because they wanted to show accomplishment. | Punch card

by : Michael Moerman

2372. Reference : MM-1-21-507

District Court of Southern Bangkok

| June 6, 1969. Moerman interviewed the Chief of Southern Bangkok District Court on various issues. For example, if the accused chose to fight lawsuits in court, frequently, the police tended to pressure for case settlement. Second, in the case of prostitution, courts often decided to send the accused to be trained and work for the community. Third each court used the prescribed penalties in criminal cases (Yi Tok) differently, depending on the judge's discretion. | Punch card

by : Michael Moerman

2373. Reference : MM-1-21-508

Winit, the judge

| January 30, 1969. Winit, the judge, planned to move back to Bangkok even though he liked the work and climate in Chiang Mai. But due to the high cost of living and to receive visiting guests from aboard, local salaries were not quite enough. In addition, he also wanted to be with his daughter in Bangkok. But the plan seemed difficult, because finding someone who would work in his place was quite hard. | Punch card

by : Michael Moerman

2374. Reference : MM-1-21-509

Miphat, the judge

| October 16, 1968. Moerman had talked to a judge, Miphat on various issues. First, his educational background. Second, Thai justice was not corrupt. Third, in Lampang the crime rate was high. In the majority of cases, the offenders were aged less than 20 years. Fourth, the judge who was acting in the case of election fraud at the Municipal Council level received a threatening letter. | Punch card

by : Michael Moerman

2375. Reference : MM-1-21-510

Interview with Sansern

| September 7, 1969. Moerman interviewed Sansern, a judge, on various issues. First, the preparation and duration of the trial, which lasted several months. Second, the way in which each judge was assigned to a case depending on the ability and willingness to work. Third, they talked about the details of Sansern’s work and his praise of responsibility. Third, details from Sansern concerning the civil lawsuits. Fourth, the social conditions of Phuket were mentioned, where it was hard to distinguish who was rich or who was poor. | Punch card

by : Michael Moerman

2376. Reference : MM-1-21-511

Inspection tour

| June 18-20, 1969. Moerman joined the inspection tour for the judges of the Supreme Court from Bangkok, and noted various issues of interest. First, a reception was organized and endorsed by Bun Song as acting host, and officials and dignitaries in Nan province attended the reception. Second, the judges visited the Provincial Court of Nan and listened to problems with the work; for example witnesses did not come to testify and the number of attorneys was not high enough. Third, there was a foundation stone laying ceremony for a new building. Fourth, the judges traveled to see and to observe the work the Provincial Court of Phare. Fifth, the judges wanted to visit the work of the provincial court, and they wanted to know about the judges who were stationed in various provincial courts. It played an influential role in promotion or transfer. | Punch card

by : Michael Moerman

2377. Reference : MM-1-21-512

Inspection tour

| June 17, 1969. Moerman joined and observed the preparation of the welcoming ceremomy for judges from the Supreme Court who would conduct a court inspection of the Provincial Court in Chiang Mai. | Punch card

by : Michael Moerman

2378. Reference : MM-1-21-513

Farewell banquet

| April 23, 1969. Moerman was invited to join the farewell party for the judges, Wichit and Tawil. He noted many interesting issues. For example, those who graduated from abroad would have better opportunity for faster promotion than those who graduated in the country. Second, the court played an important role as the "last resort of the people." Third, the ability and experience of the work of Wichit and Tawil was also mentioned. Fourth, expectations about the work of a judge, Miphat were also cited. Fifth, the case of police who beat a minor, who was a relative of the candidate in the general election in Lamphun province. Miphat sentenced the officer on changes of assault. If it had been a charge of an abuse of function, they would have been heavily penalized. | Punch card

by : Michael Moerman

2379. Reference : MM-1-21-514

Farewell Party to the judges

| March 21, 1969. Moerman and Joe O'Neil co-organized a farewell party for the judges. He noted several interesting issues. First, they shared experience and ideas about sex. Second, the atmosphere in the party was delightfully filled with conversation, and there were dirty jokes and obscene gestures. Third, outside of government service time, each judge had a normal life, like other people. Fourth, Duang used his power to call a young girl in the shop to sit for a drink. | Punch card

by : Michael Moerman

2380. Reference : MM-1-21-515