I appeared before a Thai civil court twice. Each time 3 judges present.
WHY?
First to obtain a divorce from my Thai wife - who had "fled the scene"
Second to persuade the judges that I should have custody of my daughter, since my then ex had not been seen for 5 years. Took them a long time to deliberate on that (they apparently don't like men -especially farangs-having custody.) I won!