Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether British Embassy officials are attending the trials in Thailand of British citizen Andy Hall.

Officials from our Embassy in Bangkok attended three days of Mr Hall's recent criminal defamation trial, including the opening and closing day, in order to observe proceedings. We also encouraged officials from other EU Member States to attend. We are pleased to note that one case of criminal defamation against Mr Hall has been dismissed.

Officials, both in Bangkok and London, are in regular contact with Mr Hall, and will continue to monitor Mr Hall’s case closely, ensuring that his case is raised with the Thai authorities where appropriate and reminding the authorities of their obligations to ensure international human rights standards are upheld.