Thailand
Question
30 July 2014 Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead
To ask Her Majesty’s Government why no official from the British Embassy in Bangkok attended Andy Hall’s meeting with officials at the Prakanong Prosecutor’s Office on 18 June.[HL1230]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): Consular officials at our Embassies do not attend court hearings unless there are exceptional circumstances. While a British Embassy representative, in his capacity as a political analyst, did observe Mr Hall’s hearing on 2 July, the Embassy has no role in accompanying Mr Hall to meetings related to his legal dispute.
We cannot interfere in the judicial process of another country and we cannot act as legal representatives for British nationals. Our staff are not legally trained and they therefore cannot comment on proceedings or provide interpretation. Consular officials will continue to support Mr Hall as appropriate, and a decision on whether we will attend future hearings or other key meetings will be made when required.
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201415/ldhansrd/text/140730w0001.htm#14073053000641
Andy Hall 