Some eight decades ago on 24 June 1932, Thailand embarked on a journey towards democratic transformation when the People's Party, an elite group of civil servants, princes, army officers and young intellectuals, who were well educated in Europe and fully infused with the concept of Western democracy, staged a bloodless coup d'etat, demanding a change of government from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. Determined to avoid any bloodshed, His Majesty King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) agreed to abolish absolute monarchy and the transfer of power to the constitution-based system of government by signing a temporary constitution on 27 June 1932. This constitution marked the arrival of Thailand's modern political constitutionalism - the idea that government can and should be legally limited in its powers. Since then, Thailand has been subject to 18 military coups followed by the promulgation of new and/or revised 18 constitutions and numerous changes of government. The turbulent history of Thailand's constitutionalism suggests that there is a need for major constitutional reform - one where the Constitution is reviewed to ensure adherence to the Rule of Law and democracy.

The law of evidence provides a particular challenge to students, and in some instances even to legal practitioners in the preparation of their cases. While the Evidence Act 1950 is the prime source of the law of evidence, students and legal practitioners often seek textbooks for a sound understanding on the principles of the law. This book aims to assist broadly by explaining the principles of evidence in a clear and comprehensive manner. It contains analysis of cases, explains common law rules and refers to principles of the law of evidence from other jurisdictions, for example the United Kingdom, India, Singapore and Australia, by way of comparison. It endeavours to highlight the rules governing the relevancy and admissibility of evidence in both civil and criminal litigation.