Bangkok: A recent survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) has shed light on the public’s perceptions of ‘True Volunteer Lawyers.’ According to Thai News Agency, the survey, which took place from October 28-30, 2024, sampled 1,310 individuals aged 18 and over from various demographics across the country to gauge trust levels in the legal profession.

The survey results indicated that while 52.44% of participants believe there are genuine volunteer lawyers who assist out of goodwill rather than for personal gain, they also noted that such lawyers are not abundant. Additionally, 26.56% of respondents were uncertain about the existence of true volunteer lawyers, 16.88% believed they do not exist, and only 4.12% thought there are many.

When asked about trusted sources for legal assistance, should individuals lack confidence in the justice system, 42.06% of respondents pointed to the Damrongtham Center under the Ministry of Interior as their preferred choice. This was follow
ed by 21.83% who trusted clubs, associations, foundations, or NGOs, and 19.16% who preferred the Office of the Attorney General’s Rights Protection and Legal Aid. Furthermore, 13.44% expressed a lack of trust in any entity, while fewer trusted volunteer lawyers from the Lawyers Council and the Council of the Thai Bar, at 11.68% and 8.17% respectively.

The survey also explored the general trust in legal services or advice. It found that 42.06% of participants are somewhat trustful, 36.11% do not trust much, 12.52% do not trust at all, 8.78% trust a lot, and 0.53% were either unsure or uninterested in responding.