In Thailand, quite a substantial number legal firms and other legal services offering companies operate. With that being said, it is essential that you understand the difference between licensed Thailand Lawyers and Foreign Lawyers, to select appropriate Thai Law Firm and minimize potential risks associated with pursuing legal action in Thailand.
Thai Law Firm with Local Thai Lawyers
Local licensed Thailand Lawyers are competent in dealing with local litigation and are most effective in handling cases in the Thai judicial system. Furthermore, most local law firms in the country serve local Thai nationals and businesses. Thus, few of these firm cater for foreign nationals and businesses, despite having fluent English speakers. Albeit, these legal firms are competent in legal matters involving Thai nationals, they may not be candid with issues relevant to foreigners living or working in Thailand.
Language barrier is often the main problem when it comes to seeking the services of a Thai Law Firm and moreover, legal rates and services vary immensely. For services provided in English, the rates are generally higher approximately 125 to 300 US dollars per hour.
Thai Law Firms with both Thailand Lawyers and Foreign Partners or Managers
Other Thai Law Firm, have foreign partners or associates who serve the main purpose of liaising foreign clients with local Thailand Lawyers. These law firms become more helpful to clients who are not conversant with the language or feel naturally comfortable working with foreign legal aid. Moreover, these firms are suitable since they have specialized in both local and international laws relevant to foreigners and businesses manned by non-Thai nationals.
However, there are critical factors to consider when it comes to foreign liaisons. For instance, if the licensed foreign lawyer is working well under his jurisdiction or if they are directly or supervising your case.
Within these Thai law firms, quite a few are directly managed by foreigners. In some instances, these foreign lawyers are accredited with law degrees and license to practice from their home countries. Moreover, some are fluent in Thai language and are well versed dealing with foreigner cases. Furthermore, some of these managers may be experts in local Thai legal system as well as western legal systems.
As I have mentioned Thai and western countries legal systems have small yet significant differences and finding a Thailand Lawyer adequately experienced in both legal systems can be advantageous if you are bundled up in an international incident.
Conclusion
It should be noted that the quality of services is the main aspect of the legal system and it varies across all platform whether local Thai firms or foreign managed Thai firms. Moreover, the level of expertise should also be a factor, this includes legal qualifications and accreditation. Due diligence should be applied and most importantly you should receive legal advice from an established and accredited legal professional who is highly experienced in the legal issues you seek to address. There are many qualified International and Thailand Lawyers providing quality legal service. Additionally, foreign lawyers, who manage or direct lawyers in Thailand and speak the Thai language fluently may be your best option if you have international legal issues or if you are a foreigner operating or living in Thailand. It provides a sense of assurance in terms of obtaining accurate legal information.