Lawyer Tam Keeps Bail, Court Adds Media Restrictions
Lawyer Tam kept bail in a 71-million-baht fraud case, though a Criminal Court added media restrictions barring her from publicly criticizing evidence or interfering with witnesses as proceedings continue.
Lawyer Tam remains free on bail despite a petition to revoke it. The Criminal Court on June 30, 2025, at Ratchadaphisek Road, Room 710, heard arguments in the case of Panathep Puapongphan, chairman of Yam Fao Aplan Din Foundation, and attorney Ajchara Sangkhao, representing Jatuporn Ubonsert (Je Oy), who sought to revoke bail for Sithira Biabangkerd (Lawyer Tam) in a 71-million-baht fraud case.
After analyzing both the petition and the defendant's statements, the court found no sufficient grounds to change the temporary release order. However, it deemed it appropriate to impose additional conditions on the temporary release pending appeal. The court banned the defendant from interfering with witnesses or evidence, or from publicly criticizing evidence in any manner that reduces its credibility or impacts the court's proceedings, as the case remains ongoing.
Regarding the plaintiffs' request to investigate whether the defendant committed contempt of court or violated judicial authority, the court determined that contempt of court under Criminal Code Section 198 requires standard criminal procedures including complaint, investigation, prosecution, and trial—not court-initiated inquiry. For contempt violations, it is the court's exclusive authority. The court noted that maintaining order in judicial proceedings is essential for justice to be administered fairly, efficiently, and without external interference or threats.
The court observed that recent violations involving obstruction, intimidation, and non-compliance with court orders have become increasingly serious. However, since the defendant pledged in today's hearing to take no action risking judicial contempt, and the court has already imposed additional bail conditions, the court decided to give the defendant an opportunity without further investigation, thereby granting the petition in part. The court strictly warned the defendant to comply with all bail conditions or face revocation of temporary release.
