The sultanate of Brunei this week becomes the first East Asian country to introduce Islamic criminal law reports Reuters.
Thai and American lawyers at Bangkok based Chaninat & Leeds are experienced in Thai and international criminal law
Run by Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, 67, Brunei has no national elections, but any discontent has been assuaged by high, tax-free incomes and benefits like free education and health care.
From 1 May 2014, residents of the country face conviction by Islamic courts and fines or jail terms for offences such as pregnancy outside marriage, failure to perform Friday prayers, and propagating other religions.
A second phase is set to be introduced 12 months later covering offences for theft and alcohol consumption by Muslims, punishable by whipping and amputations.
The death penalty, including by stoning, will be introduced in the third and final phase a year later for offences including adultery, sodomy and insulting the Koran or the Prophet Muhammad.
Most of the laws will also apply to non-Muslims.
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