I am new to Chiangmai so I would appreciate recommendation for a competent English speaking Thai lawyer to help me get a divorce and an estimate of what it would cost me. My wife is Thai.

I had a problem finding a lawyer who fits this description, particularly with the emphasis on "competent". After enquiries I ended up with a guy that impressed me greatly, who knew his stuff, was very approachable. spoke excellent English and who was very reasonable with his charges. Unfortunately I forget his name and the name of his practice. However, as well as being in private practice, he was the head of the law school at Payap University. You should easily be able to track him down there.

I could tell you a few to Avoid in CM

I would suggest to Google the name of any divorce "lawyer" first.