I've heard it's pretty tough for American lawyers to find work in Hong Kong and Asia unless they have language skills or have lots of elite experience with international transactions (contract drafting) ... is Thailand/Bangkok similar? Besides that, I can't imagine what else an American attorney would be able to do in Thailand besides slicking his hair back, posing next to the lady, and promising fiancee visas to people... Anyone have better familiarity with the situation?

American Lawyers would fear for their lives in the land of smiles, just look at what happen to the Thai Lawyer for the former Nationa Police chief of Thailand(Bkk Post story 4 or 5 April 08) He almost got his hands chopped OFF>

Only native Thais may engage in the practice of law in Thailand.

Only native Thais may engage in the practice of law in Thailand.

You must mean practice Thai law.

There are plenty of US, Australian and UK lawyers working for the large international firms in Thailand, including many as senior as partners.