Custody rights and Child Support – Both Parents are Thai

Nit has two sons ages 10 and 15. Nit’s husband Pua abandoned the family eight years ago. He has never paid child support, but they are still technically married because Nit did not know where Pua went and did not have any means to contact nor divorce him. Nit has supported both boys their entire lives. Both boys attend boarding school together in Burriram where Nit’s relatives live and where Nit grew up. Neither boy has seen their father since Pua disappeared eight years ago.

Recently Nit learned that Pua communicated through a mutual friend that he intends to remove the boys from school and take them to live with him permanently. The eldest son remembers Pua beating Nit and doesn’t want to have any contact with his father. The youngest is curious, but was only two years old when Pua left. Nit may now be able to find Pua's location through their friend who has Pua's phone number.

What can Nit do to stop Pua from taking the children?

If Nit went to court would a judge award full custody to Nit and order back child support from Pua?

Nit currently lives in Chiang Mai where she works to support the boys. Would she have to go to Burriram to take court action? She really can’t afford to take time off nor pay a lawyer for help.

Thanks for all advice.

Rats. 190 views and no one has a clue? Would have expected at least a few wisecracks or wrong answers from the TV forum folks.

I posted to the "ask the lawyer" forum...hope they answer....the lady is pretty worried.

Anyone know of resources in Thai for her?

Cheers.