The Administrative Court of Thailand
Master Plan and Vision
Master Plan of the Administrative Courts
The Administrative Courts determined the Master Plan (2018 – 2037) to achieve their vision: “to render administrative justice in a fair and just manner, rapidly and in accordance with modern standards so as to strengthen good governance and be a court of excellence” in order that every sector of society will trust administrative justice as dispensed by the Administrative Courts and the operation of the Administrative Courts in terms of efficiency will meet the international standards. The developing directives are determined in 5 fields of the Master Plans as follows:
Field 1: To improve the efficiency of administrative case management.
Field 2: To strengthen good governance in society.
Field 3: To be a Smart Admincourt.
Field 4: To be Court of Excellence.
Field 5: To enhance national and international cooperation and research as well as to develop innovation. (Please read the full text below.)
Vision and Missions
The vision of the Administrative Courts is “to render administrative justice in a fair and just manner, rapidly and in accordance with modern standards so as to strengthen good governance and lead the Administrative Courts to become a court of excellence”. The motto of the Administrative Courts is “Just, Rapid, and Current”.
Just refers to the Administrative Courts protection of people’s rights and liberties while maintaining a balance between individual and public interest. The Administrative Courts render administrative justice in accordance with the rule of law under the independence of the judiciary. All parties are entitled to justice and equality. Administrative case execution is quick and people have the opportunity to participate in the administrative justice process.
Rapid refers to the time taken for the administrative justice process. A time limit for the process is clearly specified in order that people receive administrative justice without unreasonable delay. Also, any party is able to monitor the progress of a case. Adhering to these procedures means that the number of pending cases significantly decreases and that the number of finished cases should be more than the number of new cases filed. In addition; rules, laws, and regulations relating to the Administrative Courts and Administrative Court procedure have been amended so as to enhance the efficiency of trial and adjudication of administrative cases and the provision of services. Increased efficiency has also been enhanced by the implementation of Alternative Dispute Resolution.
Current refers to the development of information and digital technologies for use in the administrative justice process. Modern technology allows people from all social groups to access the administrative justice process conveniently, rapidly, and economically. Modernizing the trial process of the Administrative Courts has resulted in Smart Admincourts. In regards to personnel, it is considered that they will be “Smart persons: moral, ethical, and happy at work; determined to render administrative justice conveniently and rapidly to the people.” The operation of the Administrative Courts is in accordance with international standards and good governance and will be constantly improved. The Administrative Courts will be a leading organization rendering administrative justice in the Asian region and at an internationally accepted level. The principles of administrative law will be improved so as to enhance justice in Thailand and act as fundamental norms for nations in the region.
Strengthening good governance in society refers to the Administrative Courts important role in monitoring and controlling the exercise of administrative powers righteously, legally, rapidly and promptly. Clear judicial analysis of the Administrative Courts is standardized as the norms for performance of official duties of administrative agencies and State officials. This enhances efficient good governance and helps disseminate the body of knowledge of the administrative justice process and the principles of administrative law. Judgments of the Administrative Courts provide guidelines on the performance of official duties, especially for those officials living in remote areas, and encourage officials to work according to the National Strategy and integrate their work with relevant organizations/State agencies.
Court of Excellence refers to implementing the International Framework for Court Excellence, and/or assessment framework for indicators/indices relating to international administrative judicial organizations. Case management as well as organizational management has been improved and is in accord with international standards. This supports the people’s trust in the Administrative Courts and helps create a leading organization and Court of Excellence.
The five missions of the Administrative Courts are as follows:
Mission 1: Administrative cases will be adjudicated and executed righteously, justly, rapidly and completely. Every sector of society can access all aspects of administrative justice easily.
Mission 2: The principles applied in performing official duties, which are the norms for the just exercise of administrative powers, will be laid down so as to safeguard against and reduce administrative disputes.
Mission 3: The operation of the Administrative Courts in terms of efficiency, accordance to international standards and good governance will be constantly improved in order that every sector of society has access to the services it provides.
Mission 4: Knowledge and understanding of the rights and duties prescribed by administrative law and the principles of performance of official duties given by judgments of the Administrative Courts will be enhanced and disseminated to every sector of society.
Mission 5: Domestic and international technical cooperation networks will be strengthened.