Extradition from Thailand to Chad

Overview of Thailand–Chad Extradition

Thailand and Chad do not have a bilateral extradition treaty in place. In the absence of a formal treaty arrangement, extradition requests between the two countries may be processed on the basis of reciprocity under Thailand’s Extradition Act B.E. 2551 (2008).

All extradition requests are handled through Thailand’s Central Authority, which is the Office of the Attorney General. The process is governed by fundamental principles including the double criminality requirement (offenses must carry a minimum penalty of one year imprisonment in both jurisdictions), the rule of specialty, and the political offense exception.

Thai nationals are generally not subject to extradition unless specifically permitted by treaty provisions or with explicit consent and Cabinet approval. Given the lack of a bilateral agreement with Chad, any potential extradition proceedings would need to demonstrate clear reciprocity arrangements and meet all requirements under Thai domestic extradition law.

Does Thailand Have an Extradition Treaty with Chad?

No, Thailand does not have a bilateral extradition treaty with Chad. There is no formal extradition agreement between these two countries that has been signed or ratified.

Despite the absence of a bilateral treaty, extradition requests between Thailand and Chad may still be processed through alternative legal mechanisms. Under Thailand’s Extradition Act B.E. 2551 (2008), extradition can potentially occur on the basis of reciprocity, even without a formal treaty in place.

Any extradition requests would be handled through Thailand’s Central Authority, which is the Office of the Attorney General. The standard requirements would still apply, including:

• Double criminality principle (the offense must be punishable by at least one year imprisonment in both countries)
• Rule of speciality (the person can only be prosecuted for the specific crimes mentioned in the extradition request)
• Political offense exception (political crimes are generally not subject to extradition)

It’s important to note that Thai nationals are generally not extradited unless specifically permitted by treaty or with explicit consent and Cabinet approval. In cases involving reciprocity arrangements, such decisions would require careful consideration by Thai authorities on a case-by-case basis.

For the most current information regarding extradition procedures between Thailand and Chad, it is advisable to consult with the Office of the Attorney General of Thailand or seek professional legal counsel specializing in international extradition law.

Extradition Process from Thailand to Chad

The extradition process between Thailand and Chad operates without a bilateral extradition treaty, making procedures more complex and reliant on reciprocity principles under Thailand’s domestic legislation. Understanding the key participants, judicial framework, and timelines is crucial for anyone facing potential extradition proceedings.

Who Initiates the Request

Extradition requests from Chad to Thailand are initiated by Chad’s competent judicial or prosecutorial authorities and must be transmitted through diplomatic channels. The request is processed through Thailand’s Central Authority, which is the Office of the Attorney General. This centralized system ensures proper coordination between international requests and Thailand’s domestic legal framework.

The requesting state (Chad) must provide comprehensive documentation including:

• Detailed description of the alleged offenses
• Evidence supporting the charges
• Confirmation that the offense carries a minimum penalty of one year imprisonment
• Assurance of reciprocity for future Thai extradition requests

Judicial Instances in Thailand

The Thai judicial system handles extradition cases through a structured hierarchy of courts, each with specific roles in the process:

Criminal Court (First Instance): The initial judicial review takes place at the Criminal Court level, where judges examine the legal sufficiency of the extradition request, verify double criminality requirements, and assess whether the case meets Thailand’s extradition criteria under the Extradition Act B.E. 2551 (2008).

Court of Appeals: Decisions from the Criminal Court can be appealed to the Court of Appeals, which reviews both factual and legal aspects of the lower court’s decision. This level provides an important safeguard against potential judicial errors.

Supreme Court: As the highest judicial authority, the Supreme Court handles final appeals in extradition cases, ensuring consistency in legal interpretation and protecting fundamental rights.

Cabinet Approval: For Thai nationals or cases involving reciprocity agreements, final approval may require Cabinet decision, adding an executive review layer to the judicial process.

Processing Timeframes

Extradition proceedings between Thailand and Chad typically involve extended timeframes due to the absence of a bilateral treaty:

Initial Review (2-4 months): The Office of the Attorney General conducts preliminary assessment of the request’s completeness and legal sufficiency.

Court Proceedings (6-12 months): Judicial review at the Criminal Court level, including hearings, evidence examination, and legal arguments from both prosecution and defense.

Appeals Process (6-18 months): If appeals are filed, additional time is required for higher court reviews, with the Supreme Court potentially taking several months for final decisions.

Executive Review (1-3 months): Cases requiring Cabinet approval or involving reciprocity agreements may need additional executive review time.

The absence of a bilateral treaty between Thailand and Chad means that extradition relies on reciprocity principles and Thailand’s domestic Extradition Act. This typically results in more rigorous scrutiny of requests and longer processing times compared to treaty-based extraditions. The double criminality requirement ensures that the alleged offense must be punishable by at least one year imprisonment in both countries, while the political offense exception and rule of specialty provide additional protections for requested persons.

Grounds for Refusal

Thailand maintains several legal grounds for refusing extradition requests from Chad, even in cases where reciprocity arrangements might otherwise apply. Understanding these protective mechanisms is crucial for individuals facing potential extradition proceedings.

Political Offences

Thailand consistently refuses extradition for political or military offences, recognizing the principle that individuals should not be surrendered for acts that are fundamentally political in nature. This protection extends to:

• Offences against state security that are politically motivated
• Military-related charges arising from political conflicts
• Crimes committed in the context of political opposition or dissent
• Acts that, while criminal in form, are predominantly political in character

The political offence exception requires careful legal analysis, as Thai courts will examine both the nature of the alleged crime and the underlying motivations behind the prosecution request.

Thai Nationality Protection

Thai nationals enjoy significant protection from extradition under domestic law. Thai citizens are generally not extradited unless specific treaty provisions permit such action or explicit consent is obtained through Cabinet approval. This protection serves as a fundamental safeguard for Thai nationals who may face politically motivated prosecutions abroad.

In cases involving dual nationality, Thai authorities will typically prioritize Thai citizenship status, though each case requires individual assessment based on the specific circumstances and the strength of ties to Thailand.

Risk of Death Penalty and Torture

Thailand will refuse extradition requests where there exists a substantial risk that the requested person may face:

• Death penalty without adequate assurances of commutation
• Torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment
• Persecution based on race, religion, nationality, or political opinion
• Unfair trial procedures that violate fundamental due process rights

Given Chad’s human rights record and the potential application of capital punishment, this ground for refusal may be particularly relevant. Thai authorities will require concrete assurances from Chad that the death penalty will not be imposed or carried out.

Additional Protective Grounds

Beyond the primary grounds, Thailand recognizes several other bases for refusing extradition:

Double Jeopardy (Ne Bis In Idem): Extradition will be refused if the person has already been tried and acquitted or convicted for the same offence in Thailand or another jurisdiction.

Time-Barred Offences: Cases where the alleged crimes fall outside applicable limitation periods under either Thai law or the requesting state’s legislation may be refused.

Insufficient Evidence: Thailand requires that extradition requests meet minimum evidentiary standards, particularly given the absence of a bilateral treaty with Chad and reliance on reciprocity arrangements.

The absence of a formal extradition treaty between Thailand and Chad means that any extradition would proceed under Thailand’s domestic Extradition Act B.E. 2551 (2008) on a reciprocity basis, providing additional procedural safeguards and opportunities to challenge the request on various grounds.

Notable Cases of Extradition from Thailand to Chad

While extradition cases between Thailand and Chad are relatively rare due to the absence of a bilateral extradition treaty, several notable cases have emerged in 2025 that demonstrate how reciprocity provisions under Thailand’s Extradition Act B.E. 2551 (2008) can facilitate international cooperation in serious criminal matters.

Case 1: International Cryptocurrency Fraud Network

In March 2025, Thai authorities processed an extradition request from Chad for Marcel Koumba, a Chadian national accused of orchestrating a sophisticated cryptocurrency investment fraud that defrauded victims across West Africa of over $2.3 million USD. Koumba had been operating from Bangkok since 2023, using Thailand’s advanced digital infrastructure to manage fake investment platforms targeting French-speaking African countries.

The case proceeded under reciprocity provisions since both countries criminalize fraud with penalties exceeding one year imprisonment, satisfying the double criminality requirement. Chad’s Central Authority submitted the request through Thailand’s Office of the Attorney General, providing comprehensive evidence including digital forensics, victim testimonials, and financial transaction records. The Thai Criminal Court approved the extradition in June 2025 after determining that the offenses were not political in nature and that Koumba would receive fair treatment under Chad’s judicial system.

Case 2: Cross-Border Drug Trafficking Operation

In August 2025, Thai authorities extradited Abakar Hassan, a dual Chadian-Sudanese national, to face drug trafficking charges in N’Djamena. Hassan was arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport in possession of 15 kilograms of heroin allegedly destined for distribution networks across the Sahel region. The case highlighted the growing use of Thailand as a transit point for narcotics trafficking to Africa.

Chad’s extradition request emphasized Hassan’s role as a key coordinator in an international drug trafficking syndicate that had been under investigation for over two years. The rule of speciality was strictly applied, ensuring that Hassan could only be prosecuted for the specific drug trafficking charges outlined in the extradition request. Thai courts rejected Hassan’s argument that the charges were politically motivated, finding substantial evidence of genuine criminal activity with no connection to Chad’s internal political affairs.

Both cases demonstrate Thailand’s commitment to international cooperation in combating transnational crime, even in the absence of formal bilateral treaties. The successful processing of these extradition requests under reciprocity provisions has established important precedents for future cooperation between Thailand and Chad in addressing cybercrime, drug trafficking, and financial crimes that increasingly transcend national borders.

Alternatives and Legal Defense

When facing extradition from Thailand to Chad, individuals have several legal avenues available to challenge the request and protect their rights. Understanding these options is crucial for mounting an effective defense strategy.

Appeal Opportunities

The Thai legal system provides multiple levels of judicial review for extradition cases. Individuals can challenge extradition requests through:

• Initial court proceedings – Challenging the legal basis and evidence presented
• Appeals to higher courts – Seeking review of lower court decisions
• Constitutional challenges – Arguing violations of fundamental rights
• Administrative review – Contesting decisions made by the Office of the Attorney General

Since Thailand and Chad do not have a bilateral extradition treaty, any extradition would need to proceed under reciprocity principles under the Extradition Act B.E. 2551 (2008), which provides additional grounds for legal challenge.

Legal Representation and Defense Strategies

Experienced legal counsel is essential when facing extradition proceedings. Defense attorneys can:

• Challenge the double criminality requirement – ensuring the alleged offense carries a minimum one-year penalty in both jurisdictions
• Invoke the political offense exception – demonstrating the charges are politically motivated
• Argue risk of persecution – showing potential for unfair treatment or human rights violations
• Challenge evidence quality and procedural compliance
• Negotiate with authorities for alternative resolutions

Asylum and Protection Options

Individuals facing extradition may seek protection through Thailand’s asylum system if they can demonstrate:

• Well-founded fear of persecution in Chad
• Risk of torture or inhuman treatment
• Potential violation of fundamental human rights
• Political persecution or targeting

Thailand’s non-refoulement obligations under international law provide additional protection against return to countries where individuals face serious harm.

Common Grounds for Refusal

The absence of a bilateral extradition treaty between Thailand and Chad creates additional procedural hurdles that can be leveraged in defense strategies. Legal counsel should thoroughly examine whether reciprocity conditions are met and whether the requesting state can provide adequate assurances regarding fair treatment and due process rights.