A Good Lawyer In Chiangmai

[Finnish]

Can anyone recommend from experience a good and competant lawyer in the Chiangmai area ?

I have read the list on the services page but it seems outdated.

Looking for someone with a good working knowledge of english as my Thai is poor.

[slapout]

Lawyers in Chiang Mai are similiar to doctors in that some are good for company set up others for police problems etc. I am not being noisey but it may help if you hint at the area of expertise you require.

[Rasseru]

Absolutely the best in CM is still Ajarn Akarawath Intanant.

I don't know that he is the best, because I have never worked with any others, but I have found him to be excellent. And his English is excellent too.

Edited June 19, 2008 by Rasseru

[buzzer101]

Absolutely the best in CM is still Ajarn Akarawath Intanant.

I don't know that he is the best, because I have never worked with any others, but I have found him to be excellent. And his English is excellent too.

I used Kun Krit at Sunblet (Mahidol Rd) for Company formation, work permit etc and found him to be on the ball also with other matters. His English is very good.

[Mapguy]

Absolutely the best in CM is still Ajarn Akarawath Intanant.

For contact details look at: http://lawyerchiangmai.com/

I would never say "absolutely the best" about Akarawath, who happens to be a lecturer (not a professor) at Payup University, not known as one of Thailand's best schools.

It is very difficult to find a good lawyer. I think that some try to milk the expat market. It is easy for them to get their names on lists. Some consulates keep lists, but they are only lists basically promoted by the lawyers, not recommendations. Or they can become sponsors of the Chiang Mai Expats Club. This is not a recommendation. Money changes hands.

You can start by getting a book Thai Law for Foreigners (Paiboon Publishing). Google it. You can also read the Thai Civil and Commercial Code ( http://www.samuiforsale.com/Civil_Code_text_English_I.htm ) yourself. Then, go interview lawyers.

[Flapman]

For Chanote and land related legal services I'd recommend Sumalee Jennapa at 29 Tanin Road, Chuang Puak Tel: 053-410174. She speaks good English.

(Her office is in Tanin Road at the back of Tanin (or Siriwatana) market - on LHS past Anusarnsuthorn School for the Deaf on Hussadhisawee Road, which is the continuation of Boonruangrit as you cross the t/lights near Chiang Mai Ram hospital.)

[Steve2UK]

As has been said, it rather depends on what area of expertise you need - horses for courses.......

A bit under a year ago, I went to the mature Khun Pipat because he came highly recommended on ThaiVisa when I researched this. Certainly very good English and I liked his realistic approach/manner for the matter I had in hand - a lease contract.

Tel/fax: 053 242900

e-mail: [email protected]

I suggest that with this as any other recommendations on here, you call say two or three of the lawyers and chat to them for a few minutes to establish a] that you can get along and b] that they have some potential to bring relevant expertise to the matter you're raising.

[Flatouthruthefog]

For Chanote and land related legal services I'd recommend Sumalee Jennapa at 29 Tanin Road, Chuang Puak Tel: 053-410174. She speaks good English.

(Her office is in Tanin Road at the back of Tanin (or Siriwatana) market - on LHS past Anusarnsuthorn School for the Deaf on Hussadhisawee Road, which is the continuation of Boonruangrit as you cross the t/lights near Chiang Mai Ram hospital.)

Agree 100% re Akarawath (all matters) and Sumalee (all non court work). I would add Khun Nittaya for court work, a very strong advocate but she is almost always fully booked.

On business matters over many years, several other local lawyers have wasted my time and money as well as indulging in outright rip-off. Caveat emptor, clients!

[SBACM]

Sumalee is the best for business related.

[Pikey]

Another vote for Sumalee from me. She did my company directorship transfer, my usufruct and even went to the amphur with my wife when we bought our house to ensure that the transfer was done correctly and that my name made it onto the chanote. Highly recommended.

Cheers,

Pikey.

[idrankwhat]

If you haven't found a lawyer yet PM me I can help you and most likely save you a lot of money. My wife is a lawyer and has 2 partners that teach law at a university here in Chiang Mai. Point being is they speak fluent English and they won't rob you, you would be asked for no more than a Thai person would be asked for.

[Mapguy]

As has been said, it rather depends on what area of expertise you need - horses for courses.......

A bit under a year ago, I went to the mature Khun Pipat because he came highly recommended on ThaiVisa when I researched this. Certainly very good English and I liked his realistic approach/manner for the matter I had in hand - a lease contract.

Tel/fax: 053 242900

e-mail: [email protected]

I suggest that with this as any other recommendations on here, you call say two or three of the lawyers and chat to them for a few minutes to establish a] that you can get along and b] that they have some potential to bring relevant expertise to the matter you're raising.

Yes, by all means, interview the lawyers. Lawyers in Chiang Mai are practically all general practice lawyers, not specialists, simply because Chiang Mai is basically a small town. Specialists would be in Bangkok. Before interviewing a lawyer, I recommend again (see post above) that you read Thai Law for Foreigners. You can also refer to the English translation of the Civil and Commercial Code at << http://www.samuiforsale.com/Civil_Code_text_English_I.htm >>. This is also available in print (parallel Thai and English). Check with Surawong Book Store. Or, some lawyers will use that book to help you understand the law.

Some time ago, Thai Law for Foreigners was not available, and I did not read the code myself. I wish that I had. Doing so doesn't make you a lawyer, but you can ask more knowledgeable questions and perhaps forestall or catch lawyer error. The lawyer I consulted at the time made a very serious error that could have been avoided had I been less trusting and better informed by reading the book and the code. Not a mai pen rai situation.

Re fluency in English generally, the lawyers with whom I have dealt vary in their abilities. The most difficult skill is to write English. Legal documents in Thailand must be in Thai, of course, but a client may be offerred or wish to have an English translation. Some lawyers provide translations within the document. This generally works for "boilerplate" documents that the lawyers have done time and time again, but could well be quite troublesome with more complex matters or personalized documents, such as pre-nuptial agreements, wills or powers of attorney.

Regarding Khun Pipat, his name was removed some time ago from the list which used to be pinned on the Chiang Mai forum. His name as well as others will appear on various lists, but these are really just lists where lawyers themselves can post their names. They are essentially a version of a telephone directory advertisement. Such lawyers are generally English-speaking lawyers who are marketing themselves to farang. I suppose I'd do the same thing if I were one as well as developing a slick looking web site.

By the way, I am not cynical about lawyers. I don't go round telling lawyer jokes. I am just very cautious based upon some bad experience. One of my best friends in Thailand is a lawyer (who unfortunately is not fluent in English). And Thai law is generally quite straightforward. Some differences, certainly, from other countries, but not arcane.

[Mapguy]

Well...........

Maybe just one little lawyer joke:

What’s black and brown and looks good on a lawyer?

A Doberman pinscher.

Well, maybe two...........

What do you do when you see a snake or a lawyer crossing the road?

You stop for the snake.

[chiangmaibruce]

OK, on a more serious note now.

Can anyone suggest a CM lawyer who would be experienced/good (and not charge an arm and a leg) to draft a letter to the King seeking a sentence reduction or pardon for someone in prison.

[Boldman]

Absolutely the best in CM is still Ajarn Akarawath Intanant.

I don't know that he is the best, because I have never worked with any others, but I have found him to be excellent. And his English is excellent too.

I used Kun Krit at Sunblet (Mahidol Rd) for Company formation, work permit etc and found him to be on the ball also with other matters. His English is very good.

PM me and I will tell a very different story about Khun Krit, but only if you are serious about using him.Touchy subject because of the sponsorship of this forum

[Mapguy]

Well, maybe one more little joke:

What’s the difference between a female lawyer and a pit bull?

Lipstick

[niller74]

I have used Krit from Sunbelt on several occasions and he seems to know his was around most problems. He is really helpful, speak good English, give good information and reasonable price.

[wolfmanjack]

What do you consider reasonable priced ??? 500 baht an hour ??? 1,000 baht an hour ??? Any one care to share what the average rate should be for attorney's in Chiang Mai ??

[SoloFlyer]

I recently paid 3k for a fairly simple two party contractual agreement. Involved two meetings, two drafts. Thought it was a tad expensive, but she'd given plenty of other advice and consultations for free.

[ataloss]

The OP would no doubt get a more directed reply were he to state the field of law or specialty he is searching: family law, criminal law, tax...whatever. Just as you would ask who one would recommend in the medical field as the best gynecologist or whatever.

[SomchaiCNX]

Can anyone recommend a CNX lawyer specialized in Copyright infringements?

[john b good]

As has been said, it rather depends on what area of expertise you need - horses for courses.......

A bit under a year ago, I went to the mature Khun Pipat because he came highly recommended on ThaiVisa when I researched this. Certainly very good English and I liked his realistic approach/manner for the matter I had in hand - a lease contract.

Tel/fax: 053 242900

e-mail: [email protected]

I suggest that with this as any other recommendations on here, you call say two or three of the lawyers and chat to them for a few minutes to establish a] that you can get along and b] that they have some potential to bring relevant expertise to the matter you're raising.

I have tried Pipat's number several times in the last week. Same result each time: the call rung out with no answer.

Is the number correct, is he on a long term sabbatical (or what)

[Steve2UK]

As has been said, it rather depends on what area of expertise you need - horses for courses.......

A bit under a year ago, I went to the mature Khun Pipat because he came highly recommended on ThaiVisa when I researched this. Certainly very good English and I liked his realistic approach/manner for the matter I had in hand - a lease contract.

Tel/fax: 053 242900

e-mail: [email protected]

I suggest that with this as any other recommendations on here, you call say two or three of the lawyers and chat to them for a few minutes to establish a] that you can get along and b] that they have some potential to bring relevant expertise to the matter you're raising.

I have tried Pipat's number several times in the last week. Same result each time: the call rung out with no answer.

Is the number correct, is he on a long term sabbatical (or what)

I just checked on the map directions he sent me last year - both the number and e-mail address are correct. I've had not contact with him since then, so I don't know whether he might be away or what.......... sorry. He does have a lady assistant (secretary) in the office, so I would have thought the office would be covered if he's away. Maybe a fault with the 'phone (it's also his fax number) - try the e-mail perhaps? I'll PM you with the map and contact details he sent to me.

Edited September 1, 2008 by Steve2UK

[pwp]

For Chanote and land related legal services I'd recommend Sumalee Jennapa at 29 Tanin Road, Chuang Puak Tel: 053-410174. She speaks good English.

(Her office is in Tanin Road at the back of Tanin (or Siriwatana) market - on LHS past Anusarnsuthorn School for the Deaf on Hussadhisawee Road, which is the continuation of Boonruangrit as you cross the t/lights near Chiang Mai Ram hospital.)

Agree 100% re Akarawath (all matters) and Sumalee (all non court work). I would add Khun Nittaya for court work, a very strong advocate but she is almost always fully booked.

On business matters over many years, several other local lawyers have wasted my time and money as well as indulging in outright rip-off. Caveat emptor, clients!

Don't use ICO. The initial welcome is great, good coffee too. But they will get money first, do nothing of consequence then ask for more usually into a private not firms bank account. The lawyers will always claim they need money for under the counter payments. I suspect this is not always true but you often have no other option. Just get a recommended lawyer and I agree use a trusted friend not one with business or club connections. A Thai neighbour? Remember many in the expat community are taking the view when in Rome do as the Romans do. As said in a previous post. Money changes hands. Avoid them (Thai and Farang) and Thailand can be a good place to live. Get good Thai and Farang friends and contacts. If you have even the smallest doubt - avoid.

[chiang mai]

OK, on a more serious note now.

Can anyone suggest a CM lawyer who would be experienced/good (and not charge an arm and a leg) to draft a letter to the King seeking a sentence reduction or pardon for someone in prison.

You might want to try Akarawath for that since his area of specialty is Human Rights - BTW, he has just gained a Fullbright scholarship and has just returned from the US a few days ago.

[john b good]

As has been said, it rather depends on what area of expertise you need - horses for courses.......

A bit under a year ago, I went to the mature Khun Pipat because he came highly recommended on ThaiVisa when I researched this. Certainly very good English and I liked his realistic approach/manner for the matter I had in hand - a lease contract.

Tel/fax: 053 242900

e-mail: [email protected]

I suggest that with this as any other recommendations on here, you call say two or three of the lawyers and chat to them for a few minutes to establish a] that you can get along and b] that they have some potential to bring relevant expertise to the matter you're raising.

I have tried Pipat's number several times in the last week. Same result each time: the call rung out with no answer.

Is the number correct, is he on a long term sabbatical (or what)

I just checked on the map directions he sent me last year - both the number and e-mail address are correct. I've had not contact with him since then, so I don't know whether he might be away or what.......... sorry. He does have a lady assistant (secretary) in the office, so I would have thought the office would be covered if he's away. Maybe a fault with the 'phone (it's also his fax number) - try the e-mail perhaps? I'll PM you with the map and contact details he sent to me.

Well, when I have tried him the phone was still ringing off the hook and never answered.

He might be a reasonable lawyer (and I won't comment in the positive or the negative) but his charges at well over $50.00/hour are way above normal Thai rates.

I will not use, nor could I recommend him.

Edited December 15, 2008 by john b good

[Mapguy]

Sorry to say, it is not possible for me from personal experience to recommend Pipat, who is indeed a very likable guy. He was irregular in the efficiency in which he did the work and made an essentially unrecoverable major error on one matter.

[bjohn34]

Well, maybe one more little joke:

What's the diffeerence between a female lawyer and a pit bull?

Lipstick

One more old one:

What is the difference between a carp and a lawyer?

One is a scum sucking bottom feeder and the other is a fish.

[SoloFlyer]

Anyone have any info on the mob who operate out of Hillside 4, level 3??

[sassienie]

For Chanote and land related legal services I'd recommend Sumalee Jennapa at 29 Tanin Road, Chuang Puak Tel: 053-410174. She speaks good English.

(Her office is in Tanin Road at the back of Tanin (or Siriwatana) market - on LHS past Anusarnsuthorn School for the Deaf on Hussadhisawee Road, which is the continuation of Boonruangrit as you cross the t/lights near Chiang Mai Ram hospital.)

Agree 100% re Akarawath (all matters) and Sumalee (all non court work). I would add Khun Nittaya for court work, a very strong advocate but she is almost always fully booked.

On business matters over many years, several other local lawyers have wasted my time and money as well as indulging in outright rip-off. Caveat emptor, clients!

Don't use ICO. The initial welcome is great, good coffee too. But they will get money first, do nothing of consequence then ask for more usually into a private not firms bank account. The lawyers will always claim they need money for under the counter payments. I suspect this is not always true but you often have no other option. Just get a recommended lawyer and I agree use a trusted friend not one with business or club connections. A Thai neighbour? Remember many in the expat community are taking the view when in Rome do as the Romans do. As said in a previous post. Money changes hands. Avoid them (Thai and Farang) and Thailand can be a good place to live. Get good Thai and Farang friends and contacts. If you have even the smallest doubt - avoid.

ICOs Khun Punto has been struck off for corruption. He still practices at his office, but than refers the client to another lawyer (all mates together) if the client agrees to use his services.

His wife, Khun Oy, is not a qualified lawyer, but gives the semblance that she is. Having an interview with her is like being locked in a cell with a high pressure salesperson.