Finding A Lawyer.

[Gulliver]

To anyone living in BKK - advice please. I am in desparate need of a lawyer based in Thailand - preferrably English and based in Bangkok - if such exist. Alternatively, an English speaking Thai professional; one who is absolutely reliable and trustworthy. Can anyone please recommend someone whom they know and trust.

Thank you.

[soundman]

Not cheap - however I have heard nothing but glowing reports about these guys.

http://www.tillekeandgibbins.com/Firm/Thai_profile.htm

[surayu]

Hi Gulliver, i don't know any good lawyer, however i can surely make you aware of a particular bad one which you should definetly avoid, good luck in your search and don't forget to let us to know the outcome of it, i just sent you a private message with all the details.

[Gulliver]

Not cheap - however I have heard nothing but glowing reports about these guys.

http://www.tillekeandgibbins.com/Firm/Thai_profile.htm

Thank you, Soundman. Do you know if they are Englsih, American,Thai (combination?) When you say they are not cheap - any idea how much the hourly rate is?

In brief, I have been ripped off by a Thai lawyer - theft of my money. Was stupid to believe that he had a client account and that it worked the same way (ethically that is) as in UK. Not so, and he has made off with it. I need to find another lawyer whom I can trust, and one to whom the fees I pay will get the work actually done!

Also thank you to a poster who PM'd me. I am not very familiar with the operation of this site, and therefore am not sure if my reply got back to you. As an aside from my original question above, when pressing 'reply' are you supposed to get a blank screen? I got the sender's message written in the box, and so I scrolled to the bottom and wrote my replybelow it, then pressed send. Not sure if it worked, and thus not sure if my reply was received.

[Gulliver]

Hi Gulliver, i don't know any good lawyer, however i can surely make you aware of a particular bad one which you should definetly avoid, good luck in your search and don't forget to let us to know the outcome of it, i just sent you a private message with all the details.

Surayu - thank you for the info in your message. I shall avoid at all costs. Did you get my reply - if not, I need instruction as to how to mesage reply! But again, my thanks.

[Gulliver]

I should say that I am looking for someone who does not charge extortionate rates. The quotes I have had so far from two firms in BKK, their charges per hour exceed the hourly rate that UK lawyers charge!

[alantheembalmer]

I have used BSA Law in Rajdamri, and I found them to be excellant. I believe that in order to practice law in Thailand you have to be Thai, (but don't quote me on that). Therefore, BSA Law is a Thai firm, but you can speak to Jim Byrne, who is an American who works for the firm, and he is very helpful. When I engaged their services I found them to be thoroughly professional and trustworthy. They have a web site at www.bsalaw.co.th.

Good luck

Alan

[Gulliver]

I have used BSA Law in Rajdamri, and I found them to be excellant. I believe that in order to practice law in Thailand you have to be Thai, (but don't quote me on that). Therefore, BSA Law is a Thai firm, but you can speak to Jim Byrne, who is an American who works for the firm, and he is very helpful. When I engaged their services I found them to be thoroughly professional and trustworthy. They have a web site at www.bsalaw.co.th.

Good luck

Alan

Thank you, Alantheembalmer. I shall try them to see what they can possibly offer in support. So far, the firms I have contacted want a huge figure up front to even review my documents to prove that what I am saying is true.

A further thank you to all others who have posted with help and advice, but please keep it coming.

This lawyer (aided by my stupidity) has totally depleted my funds to almost nothing - and he knows it. When, at the end of last year I appreciated that what he was telling me was utter bull-sh*t and that he was actually being dishonest, I wrote to him to say that I was considering legal action and would consult another lawyer because I could no longer believe what he was telling me - his response was to send me an email (not from his company account address, but from an anon/bogus/non-recognisable one) saying that if I went that route, he could 'keep it going for a long time in court', of course meaning that it would cost me dearly, therefore what was the point of me pursuing this money - 1.1 mil baht. To me that is a lot. I spent a lifetime earning and saving that.

[mjperry]

I too can offer you one to definitely stay away from having just been ripped off by them in a big way, will PM you the name also

Martin

[MichaelSong]

Why not use the sponsors of this site, or has anyone had bad experience with them ?

[surayu]

Why not use the sponsors of this site, or has anyone had bad experience with them ?

it looks like that you answered already to your question....

Edited June 19, 2009 by surayu

[phetaroi]

Why not use the sponsors of this site, or has anyone had bad experience with them ?

it looks like that you answered already to your question....

Do you mean Siam Legal? I am using them for my retirement visa. So far, I have mostly liked their way of doing business. As I understand it, they are owned by an American firm.

[jalansanitwong]

Anybody who needs advise on where to hire a lawyer in BKK shouldnt have come to Thailand in the first place. Only spend what you can afford to lose!

[surayu]

Do you mean Siam Legal? I am using them for my retirement visa. So far, I have mostly liked their way of doing business. As I understand it, they are owned by an American firm.

no.......but is a good thing to try Googling a search on each name and see what it came out of it, there is a search function on this forum too, give it a try

[Gulliver]

Jalansanitwrong - (sic?) Thanks, really helpful advice there. I, of course, should have known better as I have already admitted.

But any further assistance you can give relating to how a well meaning, only-in-Thailand-to assist, trusting-Ferang can deal with the actual issue of 'theft' by a Thai lawyer would be most welcome.

[Gulliver]

Jalansanitwrong - (sic?) Thanks, really helpful advice there. I, of course, should have known better as I have already admitted.

But any further assistance you can give relating to how a well meaning, only-in-Thailand-to assist, trusting-Ferang can deal with the actual issue of 'theft' by a Thai lawyer would be most welcome.

Phetaroi - I cannot name the firm concerned - as I am sure that is against forum rules. I can however put your mind at rest so some extent. The firm you have mentioned is NOT the one to which I am referring. The one responsible for my dilemma is a Thai - one man band lawyer company, thus not American based. Hope that helps you.

[Gulliver]

Sorry everyone, as you will have guessed, I am not wholly familiar with how the forum works. My last post was in response to Phetorai's query - therefore have no idea how this post will present itself! As you see, am totally stupid on all fronts!

[phetaroi]

Sorry everyone, as you will have guessed, I am not wholly familiar with how the forum works. My last post was in response to Phetorai's query - therefore have no idea how this post will present itself! As you see, am totally stupid on all fronts!

Oops...probably broke a rule myself without meaning to. Although, so far all is well in my situation. It was more a suggestion of a firm to look toward for possible assistance. But, thank you..and best of luck to you!

[BngkkB]

To anyone living in BKK - advice please. I am in desparate need of a lawyer based in Thailand - preferrably English and based in Bangkok - if such exist. Alternatively, an English speaking Thai professional; one who is absolutely reliable and trustworthy. Can anyone please recommend someone whom they know and trust.

Thank you.

I have not had to seek help of an attorney yet in Thailand, but I have noticed that Baker McKenzie has an office on Rama IV. They are one of the leading world wide firms available. I have used them in the States and in Mexico and have never lost. You can send me a pm and I will send you their web site. Good Luck

[JacknDanny]

Anybody who needs advise on where to hire a lawyer in BKK shouldnt have come to Thailand in the first place. Only spend what you can afford to lose!

:D

Congratulations on making the most ridiculous and unhelpful comment that I have seen for a long time. :D

[Gulliver]

Anybody who needs advise on where to hire a lawyer in BKK shouldnt have come to Thailand in the first place. Only spend what you can afford to lose!

Congratulations on making the most ridiculous and unhelpful comment that I have seen for a long time.

JacknDanny - thank you. Glad it wasn't just my interpretation of it!

And once again, thanks to all who have provided support and advice.

The latest update re the said lawyer is that someone, once again, went to see him on my behalf to try further persuasion/mediation. Friend told him that I had now reached breaking point over this, and that I was proceeding with legal action. Lawyer's response was to say that it would take four to five years to go through the court system, which would cost me, thus at the end - even if he was forced to pay - I would not have any gain due to the costs I would have paid out to other lawyers etc. There's remorse and conscience for you! This man is a lawyer - not a BKK taxi driver!

He is of course correct. I know what fees the lawyers have already quoted me for just starting anything against him. Thus my reason for my original post request - looking for a cheaper - but reliable - lawyer.

So perhaps I really do need to face up to the fact that I have lost this money - but I am adamant that I won't leave it rest. He is not walking off into the sunset with £18,000 of mine, with his reputation intact. So, any more ideas anyone will be gratefully received?

[tominchaam]

Gulliver, for the sake of yourself try to get the hate you feel out of your body as it is likely to hurt yourself much more than the one you hate. There are bad people all over the world and you are not the only one being hurt by their actions.

I honestly feel sorry for you and all those loosing money down here to people they have trusted. Hopefully your story will make others more careful buying and selling properties here but regret to say I still doubt it.

[Gulliver]

Gulliver, for the sake of yourself try to get the hate you feel out of your body as it is likely to hurt yourself much more than the one you hate. There are bad people all over the world and you are not the only one being hurt by their actions.

I honestly feel sorry for you and all those loosing money down here to people they have trusted. Hopefully your story will make others more careful buying and selling properties here but regret to say I still doubt it.

TominChaam - I assure you that I do understand your sentiments. I can assure you also that 'hate' isn't what I feel. A number of other things, yes, but not that.

I would love to be in a position to just move on and accept this loss. I am not. Whilst he has been running his two businesses, his lifestyle and home - at my expense - I have not been so fortunate. I worked very hard for that money, and deserve to have it back. What is more - I need it.

But nonetheless, thank you again for your thoughts. I wish you well, and hope you are not having too much rain there in Chaam - it is rainy season there now I think.

[phetaroi]

TominChaam - I assure you that I do understand your sentiments. I can assure you also that 'hate' isn't what I feel. A number of other things, yes, but not that.

I would love to be in a position to just move on and accept this loss. I am not. Whilst he has been running his two businesses, his lifestyle and home - at my expense - I have not been so fortunate. I worked very hard for that money, and deserve to have it back. What is more - I need it.

But nonetheless, thank you again for your thoughts. I wish you well, and hope you are not having too much rain there in Chaam - it is rainy season there now I think.

While I cannot say what you should do...I have no idea what the best course of action is...I always hope that someone stops the "bad guys". I was very fortunate in my profession -- school principal -- that every once in a while I got to put a stop to something "the bad guys" were doing.

[BigSnake]

My Goodness there are Lawyers lawyers everywhere im The Big Mango(Bangkok) the trip is finding a good one, good luck.

[Gold2005]

To anyone living in BKK - advice please. I am in desparate need of a lawyer based in Thailand - preferrably English and based in Bangkok - if such exist. Alternatively, an English speaking Thai professional; one who is absolutely reliable and trustworthy. Can anyone please recommend someone whom they know and trust.

Thank you.

Yes I can strongly recommend a Mr. Winai Supornmattee. He has been my lawyer for nearly 8 years now and I have found him to be nothing but honest, fair and very giving of his time and knoweldge. He is in fact a court lawyer too. I did not use the big foreign run international firms as they are too expensive. But they are good of course. But way over priced. But Winai is a trained Thai lawyer and been doing court cases for over 15 years. I would rank him up aganst any of big law firms. He wins many cases. He is also very good for smaller matters too. If you send me a message I will give you his number. He looks after many expats here.

[mangoman007]

Why not use the sponsors of this site, or has anyone had bad experience with them ?

I have used Sunbelt for my Visa a few years ago and they were horrible! Their understanding of Thai law, the documents I needed and the rest of the process was entirely flawed despite my working with a "senior and experienced" employee (A Brit I think). I used Siam Legal in Times Square and they were great. (it will be interesting to see if this post is permitted to remain here.....)

[Electra]

Hiring a lawyer for a farang on farang thing might proceed to a conclusion but on Thai?

Better to keep your money and lick your wounds.

[Jungian]

I have a friend in Bangkok who is a Harvard educated international lawyer but he is Thai (not that it should matter). His fees are comparable to American fees. If you want his number PM me.

[Gulliver]

Electra, you could be so right there.

However, given many of the suggestions made by responders, wheels are now in motion - but no doubt, Thai style, they will grind slowly. Whether I will ever get a satisfactory outcome remains to be seen. It appears that I really can't get too far without loosing even more money - which of course I don't have, because crooked lawyer has it. Chicken-egg-egg-chicken!!!

But thanks again to all who have supported and provided advice and info. I have PM'd a couple of you to take up your offer of further info. G