Digital Transformation of the Thai Judiciary: Policy Directions and Justice Administration

Abstract

Over the past decade, Thailand’s justice system has been steadily moving toward digital transformation. While the adoption of information technology has improved efficiency and accelerated court procedures, practical challenges remain. These include institutional readiness, unequal access to technology among citizens, and legal constraints that do not fully accommodate digital processes. As a result, the development of digital courts has yet to achieve a balance between efficiency and fairness.

This article aims to (1) examine how digital technologies are being integrated into court administration and adjudication, including related structural and procedural changes; (2) analyze the implications of digital transformation for fundamental rights, particularly in terms of access to justice, fairness in proceedings, technological equality, and data protection; and (3) identify practical challenges in implementing digital justice in Thailand, along with proposing policy directions and administrative measures that are both feasible and consistent with the rule of law.

The study adopts a documentary research approach, drawing on legal frameworks, policy documents, and academic literature from both domestic and international sources. The findings suggest that technologies such as e-filing systems, video conferencing, and online judgment databases have contributed to greater efficiency, reduced case processing time, and enhanced transparency. These developments are consistent with trends observed in countries such as Singapore and the Republic of Korea, where digital court systems and AI-based tools have been more systematically implemented.

At the same time, the transition to digital courts raises several important concerns. These include its impact on fundamental rights, particularly for vulnerable groups with limited access to digital tools, as well as risks related to data security and privacy. In addition, certain aspects of digital proceedings may affect the quality and fairness of judicial processes in practice.

The article argues that the move toward digital justice should be accompanied by clear policy frameworks and regulatory safeguards. Particular attention should be given to strengthening digital competencies among court personnel, ensuring equitable access to online justice services, and establishing robust data protection mechanisms. Achieving a meaningful balance between efficiency and fairness is essential. The findings of this study can serve as a practical reference for shaping justice policy and court administration in Thailand’s digital era.