A court writ is an order issued in writing by a court commanding the person to whom it is directed to perform or refrain from performing an act. The Thai word for court writ is maai saan. Upon receipt of a court writ, many people panic as they believe themselves to be in trouble with the law. Although that may certainly be the case as writs can be issued to inform a person that a claim has been filed against them, it is not always so as writs can also be issued to provide notice to a person that they are required to testify in court or provide documents for a court case. Although there are many types of writs in Thai civil and criminal proceedings, this article is limited only to a discussion of those most important for civil cases.