How to Find a Reliable Trial Lawyer in Thailand

Whether you’re dealing with a civil dispute, a business conflict, or a criminal case in Thailand, it is highly recommended that you seek the assistance of a skilled Thai trial lawyer as soon as possible. They are able to provide the expertise and guidance needed to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome while avoiding mistakes with the Thai legal system that could make things worse for you.

In this article, we will cover what a trial lawyer does, why representing yourself is often not a recommended course of action, and what to look for when choosing the right legal professional to handle your case.

What is a Thai Trial Lawyer?

A trial lawyer specializes in representing clients in court. Unlike other lawyers who focus on consultations, contracts, or negotiations, trial lawyers are experts in courtroom advocacy. They present your case, argue on your behalf, and navigate the legal process to secure the best possible outcome for you. Their work requires a deep understanding of the law, crafting persuasive arguments, and managing Thailand’s unique judicial procedures to ensure your case is handled effectively.

Can You Represent Yourself in Thai Court?

Though it is possible to represent yourself in a Thai court, the risks of doing so outweigh the benefits, especially if you are unfamiliar with the country’s legal system. Here are a few reasons as to why it is recommended to retain the services of a trial lawyer in Thailand:

• Language Barrier: All court proceedings in Thailand are conducted in the Thai language. If you are not fluent in this language, you will undoubtedly experience difficulty in understanding the legal arguments and terminology used during each hearing as well as the court proceedings, which could seriously harm the chances of successfully resolving your case.
  
• Strict Legal Procedures: The rules and deadlines are considerably rigid in Thai courts. This means that even a small mistake such as a mistranslation in the presented documents or an improper argument presentation during a hearing may result in a case dismissal or an unfavorable judgment.
  
• Lack of Legal Knowledge: The law in Thailand differs greatly from those in other countries, specifically in the West. For example, there is no jury system in Thailand. Instead, judges or a panel of judges will be responsible for deciding both the verdict and sentencing. Because of this, if you do not have a strong legal background in Thailand’s law, you may struggle to understand and completely exercise your rights or build a compelling argument for your case.
  
• Emotional Involvement: Representing yourself in court may at times lead to making decisions driven by frustration, fear, or overconfidence, which could cloud your judgment and cause you to overlook key legal details or act impulsively. Because of this, it is recommended that you retain the services of a trial lawyer, as they provide an objective and professional perspective that will focus solely on the legal strategy that will best serve your interests.

What to Look for When Choosing a Trial Lawyer in Thailand

When looking for a trial lawyer in Thailand, it is important that you keep the following in mind before settling upon a decision:

• Bilingual Skills: Choose a lawyer who is fluent in both Thai and English to make certain that there is clear communication between you and the court and reduce the chances of misunderstanding. Alongside this, they will help explain complex legal matters in simple terms, so you can make informed decisions throughout the process.
  
• Experience with Foreign Clients: Choose a lawyer who is experienced with representing non-Thai clients, as they will be able to understand and explain the cross-cultural challenges and specific legal needs that may arise during your case. In certain cases, the law applies differently to foreign citizens, so you need a lawyer who is aware of these nuances.
  
• Comprehensive Legal Expertise: Choose a lawyer or firm that specializes in multiple areas of law (civil law, criminal law, family law, etc) and has specific experience in cases similar to yours. This will ensure that related legal issues such as business or immigration matters, are properly addressed while focusing on the unique needs of your case. Broad expertise also enables a firm to find more favorable alternative resolutions to your case that overly specialized firms might miss.
  
• Strong Track Record and Reputation: Choose a lawyer with a strong history of winning cases and positive feedback from past clients. A solid record demonstrates skill and reliability, while favorable recommendations or reviews are a good sign that you will receive quality service.
  
• Responsiveness: Choose a lawyer who also prioritizes accessibility, as they will be more available to answer any questions you may have, provide frequent updates on the case, and address urgent matters promptly. Responsiveness is especially critical in legal cases, where delays can lead to missed deadlines or missed opportunities to strengthen your position.

Hiring a Trial Lawyer in Thailand

Having the right trial lawyer by your side can significantly influence your case’s outcome. With Thailand’s legal system being as detailed and complex as it is, it becomes crucial that you retain the services of a lawyer who has the experience, skills, and resources to handle your case effectively.

Siam Legal International is a full-service law firm and visa consultancy with over 20 years of experience and several teams of bilingual legal experts who specialize in representing both local and international clients. 

This means that we have in-depth knowledge of the different areas of law in Thailand to better strengthen every single point of your case. This unmatched experience and insight enable us to create a solid legal strategy that will protect your rights in court, and our skilled trial lawyers will guide you through each stage of the process to ensure you can achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

If you’re ready to take the first step to success with your case, do not hesitate to contact Siam Legal to book a consultation now!

Category: Thailand Lawyers