Bail after conviction! Only in Thailand

How is it that persons convicted of such a serious crime can be freed after a guilty verdict has been rendered? In most countries the right to bail is only extended under certain conditions and only before or during the trial. Once the trial is over, the convicted persons have the right to appeal to a higher court, but they have to do this from the confines of prison, not as free people walking the streets.

I feel sorry indeed for the family of this young man, who must feel as if they’ve been slapped in the face by the judicial system, as well as those brave citizens who testified against these policemen – citizens who now must be fearing for their lives. I ask myself, why would any judge make a decision to free these men? But then again, I think I know the answer.

Bob Medrala

Bangkok